How Do YOU Bring Out Talent in Others?

I'm trying to imagine what happened inside this young boy when someone put the baby monkey in his arms. My guess is that something swelled up in him: the strength of character to assume responsibility for another... the courage to be both strong and kind... the resolve to protect that tiny creature no matter what.

The adults around this boy could have taken a different strategy. They could have decided that the boy was too young, restless, impulsive or careless to hold a baby. If so, I'm certain that none of these positive qualities would have swelled up in him.

Here's my question: how do you bring out talent in others?

I'm not asking this of other readers; I'm asking you.

The best answers will become part of my next book, The Best Talent Is Bringing Out Talent in Others, so please don't be shy. I want to gather a cross-section of responses from people in many different countries, professions, industries and circumstances. It makes no difference to me whether you graduated high school or teach at a university, whether you are a CEO or unemployed. I only care that you can describe a strategy you have successfully used to bring out human potential in others.

Asking such a question creates a dynamic you don't usually find in a LinkedIn article. If we are lucky, the value of this article will grow over time, as you and others contribute your responses in the comments section. So don't just make a suggestion and leave. Instead, add your idea and then come back a few times to read what others contribute.

Instead of trying to be an author overflowing with ideas, I'm trying to ask a question that desperately needs good answers... and then get out of the way. So please also forward this article to people who have helped you, to encourage them to share publicly what they did that added value to your life or career.

Here are some observations to spark your memory...

Actions are more powerful than words. Have you ever modeled the kind of behaviors that you wish to bring out in others?

As in the case of the boy and the monkey, bringing out talent in others often requires you to make a leap of faith, to trust someone even though there is a risk your trust will not be justified. How do you gain the confidence to offer such trust?

People are endlessly unique in our abilities, needs, attitudes and beliefs. It can be difficult to see past our own biases to understand what another can do best. How do you escape the limitations of your own biases?

Many people crave meaning far more than money... but they don't necessarily know how or where to find it. How do you inject meaning into the daily grinds of work and life?

Sssshh... there are those who are reluctant to contribute, for fear of rejection or simply because they are shy. How do you magnify the quietest voices?

Please don't leave without contributing your idea. Your perspective is valuable, and I promise to read and consider carefully every response.

With gratitude,

Bruce

Bruce Kasanoff is the author of How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk, a simple little book about doing well by doing good.

Find Bruce at Kasanoff.com or on Twitter @BruceKasanoff.To see Bruce's articles on LinkedIn, please click the FOLLOW button above or below.

Images: Kaeru.my/Flickr (top) Burns!/Flickr (bottom)