Although employed full time elsewhere, in his spare time, Henry is a graphic designer with expertise in YouTube and social media.
Jerry is working part-time at a grocery store while getting a degree in accounting and will graduate at the end of the next semester.
Lorna has a business on the side where she helps the elderly with things they want done.
At the age of 17, Ryan used to own his own business with 12 employees, but, at 19, thought he should get a degree, so he sold it. He is now 22, still going for the degree and working as a bartender.
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Larry, 67, works behind a car rental counter as an agent part-time to keep busy, but used to be the VP of marketing for a small manufacturing company.
All are true stories. All have real talents and skills that their present employers are not using or, in many cases, do not even know they possess. What skills are hiding in your organization?
We created a free tool that does a great job at uncovering special talents and skills in your organization—and it’s fun! http://www.checkster.com/solutions/self-assessment-talent-checkup
We find there is often some great hidden gems and passions that can bring your organization to the next level with the employees you already have!
A corollary to this is that companies focus on your (often minor or irrelevant) weaknesses instead of building and leveraging your strengths. Very backwards. A productive employee needn’t be perfect at everything, as team members ideally complement each other.