Talent Is Never Enough

February 12, 2007
Talent is "often overrated and frequently misunderstood," observes leadership expert Maxwell (The 360 Degree Leader
), who advises readers on building their strengths to become a "Talent-plus person." In the first chapter, he examines how "belief lifts your talent," whether it's belief in your potential, yourself and your mission that empowers and encourages you. He then introduces a dozen other factors that can be combined with talent to achieve your goals: passion, initiative, focus, preparation, practice, perseverance, courage, teachability, character, relationships, responsibility and teamwork. Synthesizing the work of business gurus like Marcus Buckingham and Peter Drucker with inspiring anecdotes from the lives of famous athletes and coaches, Christian leaders, writers and artists, Maxwell engages the reader with his enthusiasm for his subject matter and clear insights. Well organized and focused, the book conveys how talent can be enhanced through historical and contemporary examples of "Talent-Plus" people in action—from Charles Dickens to Vince Lombardi and Tom Hanks.