Knowledge is Cheap; Talent is Precious

Nowadays everyone talks about transformation. Every training program claims to create transformation for you. But in reality, we seldom experience a real transformation. At best we gain some new knowledge that creates some awareness. Many people misunderstand this as transformation.

Today, knowledge is a commodity. Any piece of knowledge you are looking for is available somewhere on the internet. You do not need a training class to acquire such knowledge. All you need is the Google search engine.

If knowledge is a commodity then every person who is loaded with knowledge is also a commodity. Employers and hiring managers are not looking for knowledge; they are looking for talent. Talent is the ability to use knowledge and apply skills to create results. To become a talented person, you need transformation.

Let's look at the process of transformation that has 7 steps:

1. Awareness:

When you come across a new idea by reading a book, watching a video, or talking to someone, you develop awareness.

2. Understanding:

When you concentrate on the idea with some quality focus, you develop understanding. This is where most training programs stop. As a result, most people who attend corporate training, do not change much afterward except acquiring some new knowledge.

3. Acceptance:

To act upon an idea or piece of new knowledge, you need to discuss the idea with another person who is at the same level of interest and intellect. With more reasoning in the dialogue, you start to accept the idea.

4. Value Shift:

Value shift is a major milestone in the process of transformation. With increased interest, you start to contemplate the idea for its practical application and start referring to additional sources of knowledge on the same idea. You develop a different perspective about the idea and the change in your mindset is reflected in your conversation.

5. Belief:

At this stage, you get fully convinced and start to propagate the idea to others.

6. Application:

Now you get focused on developing new behavior and building new habits to apply the idea practically.

7. Transformation:

Finally, you get the idea fully internalized and it is reflected in your day-to-day behavior. You become a strong advocate of the idea.

In today's highly competitive environment, knowledge is not enough. You need transformation to be considered talented. Talent in many cases is God-gifted but it can also be developed. Do not stop or feel satisfied at the level of awareness or understanding. This is just the beginning of your journey to transformation.

P.S. We are in the final round of enrollment for the 12th batch of the Strategic CFO Program 2022 at MECA CFO Academy. The formal sessions will start on 8th January 2022. Check?Program details?here.