Book Review - Beyond Talent by John C. Maxwell

First, Beyond Talent is a new paperback edition of John Maxwell's book Talent is not enough.  I was not aware of that when I got this book.

I have read several of Maxwell's previous books, and enjoyed them all.  Beyond Talent was no different.  In it, Maxwell states that talent is God-given and does not guarantee success; there are lots of talented, unsuccessful people.  What makes the difference is what you do with that talent.  To this end, he lists thirteen choices that can be made to maximize talent:
            1.  Belief lifts your talent.
            2.  Passion energizes your talent.
            3.  Initiative activates your talent.
            4.  Focus directs your talent.
            5.  Preparation positions your talent.
            6.  Practice sharpens your talent.
            7.  Perseverance sustains your talent.
            8.  Courage tests your talent.
            9.  Teachability expands your talent.
            10. Character protects your talent.
            11. Relationships influence your talent.
            12. Responsibility strengthens your talent.
            13. Teamwork multiplies your talent.

Each of these thirteen choices is given it's own chapter.  Each chapter begins with an anecdote proving the choice.  Then Maxwell breaks the choice down into steps.  There are also many inspirational quotes and sayings contained in each chapter.  Each chapter ends with application exercises.

In short, this is an excellent book about how to take talent to the next level, and why those talented people you know never really reached their potential.  I would highly recommend this to anyone in a leadership position, or who hopes to be in a leadership position someday.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”