There are four meta-talents that are essential for success. Organisations - and especially teams - need all 4 meta-talents to implement work projects and change initiatives.
Here's a snap shot of these 4 talent types. I have nick-named the meta-talents ‘Diamond, Club, Heart, and Spade' talents so they are easy to remember...
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Diamond talents - imagine what's possible. It's the Diamond talent who sparks change and imagines the next best thing. Diamond talents are innovators and out-of-the-box thinkers.
Diamond talents are essential at the start up phase of new projects. They create a fresh approach. Diamonds also suggest innovative solutions to challenges throughout implementation.
For others working with the Diamond talent - they can wreck havoc when it's time to standardise the process.
- Club talents - champion a vision and create the systems to ensure long-term success. Club talents are the architects of change.
For others working with the Club talent - they can run roughshod over others in their efforts to succeed.
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Heart talents - focus on relationships. A Heart talent champions the underdog, encourages and develops others, and expresses appreciation.
Heart talents help team members get along, ensure everyone is included and motivate individuals to contribute their best.
For others working with a Heart talent - they can take on too much responsibility for the emotional angst in the organisation and burn out.
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Spade talents - like to dig in and get things done. They are the practical realists on the team. Spade talents like to organise the project and drive it across the finish line. They will leave no stone unturned to achieve their goals.
For others working with Spade talents - they sometimes forget to look up and recognise changing priorities.
Work projects require all four meta-talents to ensure success. Make sure your team has the right mix of talents to achieve their goals. Orchestrate these 4 meta-talents. Recognise each talent has a different role to play at various stages of the project.
Help team members use their talents wisely and at the right time. Encourage team members to respect talent differences. For extraordinary results, focus on talent strengths and watch each other's back.