We talk a lot about talent and strengths on this blog, but it is essential that we understand what a strength actually is.
The Gallup organisation defines a strength with the following formula:
Talent + Skill + Knowledge = Strength
So, if there is no innate talent, we can see that we already lack the ability to turn something into a strength. But talent does not automatically equate to strength.
In many respects our talents are our areas of potential strength.
David Beckham had the talent and potential to become one of the best crossers of a football in the world. But the talent was not enough. He honed that talent and turned it into a strength by spending hours and hours and hours on the practice field (skills and knowledge).
Talent only turns into a true strength through hard work. We add skills and knowledge to our areas of talent in order to develop them into strengths.
Having said all of that though, this formula still doesn’t go quite far enough in describing a true strength. The missing ingredient from the formula is passion.
A strength is what we have when what we’re great at doing aligns with what we love to do. It is when we’re in our element. But if I’m great at DIY yet absolutely hate it, I would never describe that as being in my element.
So, for me at least, a strength is what you have when talent, skill, knowledge, and passion have all come together.
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