Beyond Talent By John C. Maxwell

“New York Times best-selling author John C. Maxwell shows that talent is just the starting point for a successful impact in any organization. It's what takes you beyond your talent that matters.”

In John Maxwell’s book “Beyond Talent”, Maxwell suggests that talent is simply the starting point, not the final destination, and offers suggestions on how we can move beyond our talents. Maxwell's style is to use stories of people and let them illustrate how we can grow beyond our talents.

The major themes of the book include:
Belief lifts your talent.
Initiative activates your talent.
Focus directs your talent.
Preparation positions your talent.
Practice sharpens your talent.
Perseverance sustains your talent.
Character protects your talent. . . . and more!

Maxwell wants to remind us that it is our choices that make all the difference, not the talent that we start with.

I’ve always loved reading leadership books, but this one was a bit disappointing. I felt it was very shallow and just skimmed the top of the subject matter. Maxwell also tends to use a lot of sports anecdotes and analogies. I’m not at all a sports fan, so this really turned me off. I look forward to reading another one of Maxwell’s books, but I wouldn’t recommend this specific one.