Beyond Talent

John Maxwell is the bestselling, mind-bogglingly prolific leadership guru and author of leadership classics such as The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. His latest book, Beyond Talent, is a solid offering from a man who eats, sleeps, lives, and models leadership.

The premise of the book smacks of common sense: talent alone is not enough to foster success and maximize impact in an organization. But Maxwell approaches the topic in his usual systematic (though some might say formulaic) and thoroughly readable way. He supplies thirteen traits that must be added to talent in order to bring about success:

1. Belief lifts your talent.
2. Passion energizes your talent.
3. Initiative activates your talent.
4. Focus directs your talent.
5. Preparation positions your talent.
6. Practice sharpens your talent.
7. Perseverance sustains your talent.
8. Courage tests your talent.
9. Teachability expands your talent.
10. Character protects your talent.
11. Relationships influence your talent.
12. Responsibility strengthens your talent.
13. Teamwork multiplies your talent.

If you've ever wondered why your talent often goes unrecognized, or why-despite great talent-you haven't experienced the success you long for, Beyond Talent is a must-read book for you. While it would not be the first John Maxwell book I would recommend, it is definitely a worthy addition to the Maxwell oeuvre.

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(Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”)