By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services
Merriam-Webster defines talent as a special ability that allows someone do something well. There are lots of talented people in the world. But, is talent enough?
Charlie Parker is one of the most revolutionary and best saxophone players of all time. Everyone is endowed with a measure of talent and some people are more talented than others. It is said Parker practiced for 10 hours a day. It is my opinion that we remember Charlie because of his commitment to practice, not his talent. If you think about it, he made practicing a full-time position, which probably has a lot to do with how good he was.
We can relate this to the work place. Most of us know someone at our job we consider a resident genius. This person can whip up a report, compose a power point slide, or address an audience at seemingly a moment’s notice. They make it look so effortless. Because you weren’t privileged to see their maturation process, it’s easy to believe there was magic involved. Some sprite sprinkled dust enabling them to do things better than everyone else. The magic was called practice.
You will never know how they took Microsoft Office classes to learn how to operate those suites or how they completed Toastmasters courses to improve their public speaking. You didn’t know they attended summer school for English each year of high school and they needed a writing tutor in college. You magnified their gift by minimizing their road work.
My goal in giving you background information on Charlie Parker and the “resident genius” is to show you how much you actually have in common with them. You may be talented too, but to become as skilled, you must dedicate yourself to practice. The practice field is where you learn to exercise your talent in a manner that appears to be second nature.
If you want to enhance your skills, you will more than likely need to develop a practice schedule requiring you to give something up for a period of time to achieve your goal. You may have to come into work earlier or stay later. There may be a class you are required to take which consumes a great portion of your time and energy, but is needed to progress. Remember, no one has become skilled without sacrificing.
I recommend doing some introspection to determine where you would like to grow professionally. Once you have identified some areas, begin working to strengthen them. Reach out to a career coach to discuss where you can obtain books, videos, and other resources to help you develop. I look forward to learning about your success and I celebrate with you in advance.
About the Author
Shun McGhee graduated from Morgan State University with a degree in Business Management. Stemming from a desire to positively impact the community, he entered the teaching profession. As a member of the Special Education Department, history and English were his core subjects. He also taught English for Speakers of Other Languages.
Upon discovering a personal need to broaden his experience beyond the classroom, but still wanting to remain within academia, Shun accepted a position at American Public University System as a student advisor in 2008. Later, he moved from the position of student advisor to the Department of Student and Alumni Affairs where he has worked in Career Services as a resume review specialist.
Shun holds the academic process in high esteem. He appreciates having the opportunity to assist students make important life decisions and hopes they are motivated to excel after interacting with him.
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