Last week, as I watched Jeanine win the title of America’s Favourite Dancer on So You Think You Can Dance, it made me realize how limiting having talent is. Relying on being the best at something can only take you so far (in SYTYCD, that would be the Top 10). From that point on, it is all about attitude and personal connection with others.
No one complains when working with talented people. That being said – if you have a fowl attitude, don’t treat others with respect, or just rub people the wrong way – they don’t care HOW talented you are, you won’t last long on the team (or on the show).
Your abilities and aptitudes will get your far enough in life for you to be happy. But your personality and ability to connect with those around you will elevate you to new heights, making all your efforts worthwhile.
(Just for some extra fun I included my favourite dance of the season featuring choreography by Travis Wall, music by Jason Mraz, and movement by Jason and Jeanine.)
Pick of the post: Roisin Murphy – Ruby Blue
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3 comments
1 ping
Stas says:
August 9, 2009 at 10:01 pm (UTC 1)
Hey Matt
Interesting post, nice connection with something very artistic and the importance of personality/connection.
I would like to add though, that would it be more fitting to call talent a ‘non-deciding’ factor rather than a limiting one? It just seems that limiting is a little bit negative here.
Could make for an interesting discussion
Matt Corker says:
August 9, 2009 at 10:10 pm (UTC 1)
Ah – good point Stas. Maybe phrasing it as “just having talent is limiting” would be better. The idea here is to look at what skills you need for success in your future and to not over-estimate your position as being very talented in a certain area.
You are spurring more ideas for new articles…. love it!
Lynda/Mom says:
August 11, 2009 at 9:18 am (UTC 1)
Hey Matt!
Sad to say that the link is no longer available – would have loved to see it.
Great thoughts. Sometimes it is those who are considered very talented who know it, but also have a very poor attitude towards working with others who may not be as ‘talented’.
Agree that it is our personality and ability to connect with others which makes us reach for new heights once the ‘talent’ is taken out of the equation.
Thanks for sharing this Matt!
Matt Corker » Dancing to a better business says:
October 7, 2009 at 7:39 am (UTC 1)
[...] This entry is filed under Leadership, Videos. My not so secret guilty pleasure in the summer is watching So You Think You Can Dance with my friends and co-workers. While there are some dances I just don’t understand (*cough [...]