My personal capabilities are a gift to me. Those abilities should be developed, then used, because that’s where I can contribute most effectively. Moreover, that giftedness can bring me success if used appropriately. Therefore, I must learn how to best use my giftedness.
My gifts enlarge opportunities for me with those who are influential. Proverbs 18.16 paraphrase
My Giftedness
Here are three questions.
First, what are you really good at?
Next, are you teachable so that you are positioned for new knowledge related to what you’re good at?
Finally, what are you doing – intentionally – to build up that area of strength in your life?
The first question – what are you good at – implies some level of self-awareness. Thus, I need some realistic perception of my abilities.
In like manner, the second question – being teachable – implies a desire to learn more. Also, it implies a willingness to be corrected. Thus, I must admit I don’t know it all!
Finally, the third question. If I adopt a growth mindset, I make possible dramatic personal and professional growth. As a result, I’m learning how to best use my giftedness.
Conversely, a lack of self-awareness, hardheadedness, poor focus, or a fixed mindset mean that ten years from now I’ve not grown one bit. That’s not what I want! How about you?
Growth and Giftedness
Personal growth should bring with it greater self-awareness. Thus, I know myself in regard to strengths and weaknesses.
In fact, over time, I should take advantage of tools for self-evaluation. Additionally, I should respond to wise counsel. Also, I must find reliable sources of personal growth materials – like the Proverbs!
As a result of investing in myself, I grow. And, I begin to better understand who I am and how I function as a leader and as a decision maker.
For example, my personal decision style is fairly deliberative. As you would expect, I’m much more factual than I am intuitive. Therefore, I’m not comfortable going with my gut but instead prefer to deal with hard data.
Additionally, for the past thirty years I’ve worked in two organizations that are extremely collaborative. Shared governance is an expectation for leaders where I’m employed.
Thus, as a leader I must be careful to listen and involve others on the leadership team in decision processes.
My Growth Opportunities
As an introvert, plus someone who’s a bit analytical, I’ve had to work hard at building up my interpersonal skills. Moreover, I’ve had to purposefully grow my ability to be more intuitive and discerning.
As it turns out, when you’re starting at near zero for intuition and communication skills any growth is a plus! Seriously, it’s important for a leader to balance efficiency and decisiveness with a genuine concern for others.
What’s the point here?
I’ve had some success in recognizing my giftedness in regard to thoughtfulness, deliberation, and careful analysis before making decisions.
Additionally, I’ve been able to back-fill that giftedness in analysis and deliberation with (some) growth in my ability to listen, to discern (a bit) below the surface, and to respond (occasionally) by expressing concern.
Why is that type of personal growth critical? In my case I’ve come to believe that discernment is an essential trait for a leader because it allows a leader to tell the difference between right and wrong.
Wherefore, I’m (slowly) learning how to best use my giftedness!
The Proverb
Proverbs 18.16 uses the word “gift.” By my count, there are five different Hebrew words used in Proverbs that are translated by the English word gift.
One way to understand word usage is to compare across various passages. As it turns out, the word meanings for “gift” (to me) fall into categories such as: a special ability, a blessing from God, a bribe, and an offering to God.
Here are some examples for these different Hebrew words.
First, as a special ability see Proverbs 18.16, 19.6, and 21.14.
Second, as a blessing from God see Proverbs 25.14, Ecclesiastes 3.13, and Ecclesiastes 5.19.
Third, as a bribe see Proverbs 6.35, 17.8, and 17.23. Also, see First Samuel 8.3 and Psalm 26.10. We’ll look at this meaning in a later post.
Fourth, as an offering or contribution to God see Proverbs 29.4, as well as Exodus 25.2-3, 29.28, and 30.15.
This blog post focuses on the first meaning, as a special ability or gift that I have received. In fact, what really matters is how I use that gift.
Leadership Insight
Unfortunately, I think, there are several assumptions in Proverbs 18.16 related to the use of giftedness by a leader.
In fact, it’s not enough just to be gifted. How many intelligent, hard-working people have you watched flounder early in their careers?
If you miss these assumptions you can waste a lot of time. Also, you are likely to be floundering and frustrated!
Therefore, if I miss these assumptions I miss opportunities to develop my leadership skills. As a result, it’s important to understand how to best use my giftedness.
Leadership Insight – Awareness
First, the parable assumes that the leader is aware of his or her area of giftedness. Truly, I don’t make use of skills I’m unaware of. Thus, a lack of self-awareness is very problematic for a leader.
It’s not clear to me that Joseph was aware of his managerial and organizational skills when he was the spoiled, younger son. However, those skills pushed him into a position of leadership, as described in Genesis 39.1-6.
Although the transition was unpleasant, Joseph was being positioned by God to save a nation. See Genesis 50.19-20 for his clear statement of life purpose.
Leadership Insight – Advancement
Second, it assumes the leader has a desire for personal and professional growth. In fact, that desire shows out in intentional, self-development efforts. Conversely, complacency and self-satisfaction lead to no growth and no career advancement.
Moses’ arguments with God in Exodus Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 suggest he was really very comfortable herding sheep for the rest of his life. In fact, he was about to step into the most productive and influential third of his entire life! But first, he had to move out of his comfort zone.
Leadership Insight – Application
Third, Proverbs 18.16 seems to assume that a leader is actually using the talents he or she possesses. However, some are guilty of burying their talents through false pride, fear of failure, or a lack of motivation.
The parable in Matthew 25.14-30 discusses the harsh outcome for neglecting our giftedness. Thus, the buried talent is lost through neglect. Moreover, the steward – the leader, is removed from their position of authority.
Leadership Insight – Abundance
Fourth, the parable assumes that a leader will recognize opportunities for influence when they come along. And no, this isn’t simply about having an elevator pitch ready at just the right moment! Actually, an abundance perspective strongly influences what I perceive as opportunities.
The David and Goliath story in 1 Samuel 17 is a great example of seizing an opportunity disguised as a “giant” challenge! David drew from his past experiences, then grabbed this opportunity, as well as five stones. Why? Because he recognized what the core issue was at that moment in time.
Avoiding These Pitfalls
How do I stay out of these traps during my career as a leader? Here are five suggestions.
1). To begin with, I should build self-awareness. In fact, that’s a key component of emotional intelligence.
2). Next, I should cultivate a growth mindset because the belief that I can grow is personally transforming. Actually, it’s about how I see myself and situations around me.
3). Additionally, it’s important to know where I need to be growing. Thus, I must have a realistic view of who I am right now and an inspirational vision of who I could be in the future.
4). Then, I must be willing to step out by taking risks and pushing beyond my comfort zone.
5). Finally, I must recognize opportunities, even when they are accompanied by serious challenges. Remember, what I see drives how I act.
Truly, my self-perception is my chosen reality!
Apply This Today!
My giftedness is very likely my highest point of contribution. Thus, that’s where I should focus my personal growth efforts.
My area of giftedness points me toward my life purpose. However, realizing my purpose assumes I’m teachable and self-aware.
For a person of faith, giftedness is a special ability from God. Conversely, my giftedness as given by God isn’t a human skill or capability, such as intelligence or athletic ability.
If I’m paralyzed by fear I will bury my gifts. Conversely, a willingness to push out of where I’m comfortable – despite my fears – is a way to build up that giftedness.
Should I focus on building out my area of giftedness? Or, should I focus on areas of weakness? Yes to both, with emphasis on the former.
Recognizing my giftedness, and running hard with that giftedness, can be a giant killer in my career!
Therefore, I must learn how to best use my giftedness.
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