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Issue 12, August 2009
Inside this Issue
I believe every person was born with talent
Maya Angelou
Firstly, let me apologise for the gap between newsletters. Work became extremely busy in May-June and we took some time off in July (sorry). Anyway it is nice to be back, especially as the days are starting to warm up.
This month I wanted to concentrate on people’s beliefs about talent. I’ve just finished reading a fabulous book called Talent is Overrated (see my book review on page 4). It explores why excellence is produced from hard work rather than being born with innate talent. This book explodes many myths that you have probably heard over the years as to why some people are regarded as talented.
It also reminded me of a 7.30 Report (ABC TV) interview with Sir Ken Robinson in June (http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2009/s2600125.htm). Sir Ken is the author of The Element which explores a number of stories of very successful people whose talents went unnoticed at school.
One story that really resonated with me was that of a music teacher in Liverpool, England who had both Paul McCartney and George Harrison in his music class, yet he did not identify either of them as having any real musical talent.
Both of these got me thinking about how organisations (and even families and schools) identify ‘talent’. Often we label people as either talented or not; once these labels are attached to people, they tend to stick.
However as Talent is Overrated points out, it is ‘deliberate practice’ - which includes regular feedback - rather than talent, that determines how great people end up becoming.
So this month I would like you to think about how you determine which of your staff and/ or children are talented. Maybe we should all read this book before we decide who has talent and who hasn’t. That way our work/ schools might actually support everyone to be the best they can be and perhaps we will tap into more ‘talent’ than we ever imagined existed.
Have a magical month making the world a better place :-)Danette
Once again, we had some great responses to our competition – thanks to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts on why they deserved pampering. The winning entry came from Sarah List in Queensland:
I think we could all use a little pampering now and then but the needy and homeless need it more; so I would like to raffle the pack and donate the profits to the Salvation Army. People on the streets will need extra warmth this winter and the Salvos could use the money to provide clothes, blankets and continue the great work they do!. Sarah
We're sending the Salvos a cheque on Sarah's behalf - thank you Sarah :-)
As we were talking about talent this month, we thought we would provide one lucky reader with a chance to increase their talent.
This month we’re giving away a $50 book voucher. For a chance to win, all you need to do is tell us (in 50 words or less) what you would love doing to increase your talents.
It only takes a few minutes to enter and we’d love to see a hundred responses this month instead of just a few, so click here to get started!
And remember, be creative!
Email your entry to club@magicallearning.com by cob Friday 28 August 2009.
Sydney Leadership Program:
Call for Interested Leaders
This is a program that changed both Grahame's and my life. It is without a doubt the most life-changing thing I have ever done. If you are interested in making a difference in this world do whatever it takes to get on this program. Danette
The Sydney Leadership Program - Applications now open
Sydney Leadership is an annual ten month program which was established in 1999 by The Benevolent Society as part of its mission to create caring and inclusive communities and a just society.
Designed for people who are motivated to lead positive change in their communities and organisations, the program brings together a diverse group of up to 30 talented participants from across the business, government and community sectors for a unique and challenging learning experience based on the 'adaptive' leadership approach developed at Harvard.
The selection process is competitive but it is not necessary to be in a senior management position to apply.
The official launch of the 2010 Program will be held at an information evening on Tuesday 8th September from 6.00pm to 9.00pm, with a discussion about leadership, a talk from Sam Weiss and an opportunity to ask questions.
More information
Full program information is available online at the Benevolent Society's website - click here.
We have a number of nationally-accredited programs starting over the next few months:
Advanced Diploma of Government (Human Resources)
Starting Thursday 13 August
Diploma of Government (Financial Services)
Starting Wednesday 19 August
Advanced Diploma of Government (Financial Management)
Starting Thursday 20 August
Certificate IV in Government (Procurement)
Starting Friday 25 September
Managing Stress
Monday 31 August
Mastering Minute Taking
Tuesday 1 September
New Supervisors
3 day course (28-30 September)
For more information about these and our other programs, please visit magicallearning.com, email us at learn@magicallearning.com or telephone 02 6273 2221.
I have no particular talent - I am merely inquisitive.
Albert Einstein
Helping Your Kids To Become Lifelong Learners
Learning and being able to adapt to change will never go out of fashion. To help equip your kids for this here are some great tips:
- Be their role model – I grew up with parents who studied after work and who loved to read – not surprisingly it rubbed off on me
- Find out how they learn (are they visual, auditory, kinesthetic, logical and/or creative) and then give them every opportunity to learn and to win
- Ask them what they learned at school today and pay attention to their answers
- Focus on their successes
- Remember that we all learn differently and that your way of learning might not be theirs so if they aren’t studying how you studied that doesn’t mean it isn’t right for them
- Too much study is not good for anyone – make sure they take regular breaks to allow their brains to absorb what they have learned
- Make sure they eat well (lots of fruit and vegies) and drink well (lots of water) – good food helps the brain work better :-)
Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work
Stephen King
NON FICTION
Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
If you want to know what makes a person a world-class performer and how you can increase your performance then this book is a terrific read. For those working in teams I would highly recommend that you share chapter eight with team members.
The Shoeshine Boy by Walter Reinhard & Maurice Kleckin
This is a story of Ramon Paez who grew up poor till fate played its hand. While this book is written as a story it provides ‘how to’ tips on how to achieve success and fulfilment in both your personal and work lives. With an Australian focus it is an easy read which helps remind you of things you can do to improve your life.
Issue 12, August 2009
Magical Learning Pty Ltd. ACN 104 320 550. 45 Melbourne Avenue Forrest ACT 2603 AUSTRALIA
Telephone: +61 2 6273 2221. www.magicallearning.com