In the last of my discussions regarding Dan Coyle’s work on Talent, I promised to summarize some of his findings around the concept of motivation (the second of three vital components of talent creation).  Coyle found that people tend to have what he calls a moment of “ignition” prior to developing great talent. Specifically, he contends that people need to have a moment, or period of time, that inspires them to be great at something.  Without these moments or circumstances, we can’t sustain the lonely discipline of deep practice.

I’d like you to reflect on your own talent before I provide any more specifics regarding motivation/ignition:  Where does your talent lie?  How did you develop this talent?  What drove you to practice or study to develop your skills?  Where and when did the ignition take place?  What was your environment like while you were developing your talent?

How have the most talented members of your team developed their talent?  Ask them how and where they were “ignited?”  Has it ever occured to you to ask this of your top talent, or of prospects or individuals who you’re trying to recruit?  The more you know about people, the the more relationship credibility you will build, and the better you can manage.

Tomorrow, I’ll elaborate some more on the details of Ignition…