Talent vs Perseverance
Oxford Dictionary defines talent as ‘a natural aptitude or skill’. While perseverance is ‘continuing a course of action in spite of difficulties’.
Why do two similar talents over a period of time go two different paths? One goes downhill while the other keeps plodding and continues moving uphill slowly and steadily. Talent takes you thus far and no further. It gives you visibility and opportunities. The rest is up to you. Do you manage to be consistent in your performance? If you are consistent 90% of the time, you will be forgiven for the balance 10% when you failed to perform well. People will appreciate the effort and blame the failure to circumstances beyond your control.
What about reliability? Do you keep your word? Are you there when your team is in need of your performance? Can the team depend on you or are you seen as a shirker? No amount of talent will help you if you are seen as an unreliable person. You will not get any opportunity or assignments to prove your mettle and you begin to stagnate. Even if you happen to get a leadership role, you will not have any followers or be able to lead a well-functioning team.
Perseverance is very boring initially. The very thought of putting in effort every day, as if it was your first day or first job, is indeed tedious. But this very act of turning up everyday labels you as reliable. Once you are reliable and putting in effort everyday to work on your talent (remember it is an aptitude or skill), your performance improves and so does your credibility. Gradually this becomes a second nature and you won’t find it dreary anymore.
Finally comes in attitude. Humility is what will endear you to your team. Be assertive but not arrogant. Express your expertise and also be willing to hear others out. You never know where you can pick up a bright idea and add value of your expertise. People will look up to your leadership. You won’t even need a designation to exercise your leadership and become a role model.
Talent plus Perseverance plus Attitude is the key to success.