Articles By Anne Warfield, Certified Speaking Professional

Talent versus Communication

Which has more of an impact on your career being high in communication skills so you behave and speak in a way others relate to or being highly talented or skilled in a certain area?

This certainly is a question worth debating and worth contemplating. Can you effectively have a great career with only one?

Yes. But the better question is can you have your best and most stress free career without both? The answer is no.

To test this, just look at athletes. Think of Michael Jordan. His behavior, his words, and his actions on and off the court matched the talent he had on the court. People wanted to see more of him and people trusted him.

Now think of Randy Moss. He is extremely talented but his actions and his words turn people off. My guess is that if he finds himself injured his entire career would be over. There is nothing he offers besides his speed and ability on the field.

Whereas Michael Jordan’s character is so high that his value is still there long after he is done playing.

In your work I am sure you can think of players on both sides of the fence- those so talented that people let them be eccentric and aloof and those that balance the people side with the talent side. The really talented people are secure AS LONG as their talent is in need and it is hard for the company to replace it.

But the real security comes in the person that combines both since the company will see them as highly trainable and an asset to the team.

Just think about it. Let’s say you are putting a team together and you have the choice of putting on someone that is highly talented but difficult to communicate with and work with or a person that is slightly lower in talent but motivated, strong at rallying others around the project and easy to get along with. Which one would you pick?

Take a moment to think about how others view you and how much job security you are creating by combining your talents with strong communication skills.

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As the leading Outcome Strategist, Anne Warfield shows people how to present their ideas, products and services so people WANT to listen to you. Her communication formula is easy to apply and produces proven results. Fortune 500 companies around the world have utilized her expertise and her work is published around the world. She has been published in Business Week, Good Housekeeping, Forbes publications and has been featured on ABC, NBC and CBS. Anne speaks around the world about Outcome Focus™ Communication. To book Anne, contact her at 888-imp-9421 or check out her web site at www.ImpressionManagement.com. Check out her website to take the communication quiz for yourself! Books can be purchased from Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. You can also email us at contact@impressionmanagement.com.

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