The distinction between Talent and Competence is highly visible in a sporting context.

In the Align4 Organisational Performance Wheel and in our “Personal Best” Coaching, we refer repeatedly to the importance of helping people discover and use their Talent. The principles are the same as in Sports Coaching.

The best way to predict your future is to create it.

Stephen Covey

Talent

Who I am (my being)

What I like doing

Innate

Non-transferable

Pleasure

For the Memories

Evolution

Intuition

Competence

What I learn (knowledge)

What I can do (ability)

Learned

Transferable

Effort

For the Money

Training Conscious

Even when stressed or tired
Naturally faster than others
My engine/motivator

Talent is that which is stable within an individual
Drawing on one’s talent increases motivation
Working with one’s talent generates energy
Each of us has a unique talent – part magic, part genius

Ski Instructor vs. Tennis Coach

Instruction is like an Apprenticeship – the Instructor is the “Expert”. The Instructor teaches the Apprentice what he/she knows. Instruction does not tap into the natural talent of the Apprentice.

Today this is insufficient for success at an Elite Level. Modern Sports Coaching now taps into the natural Talent to unlock the full Potential.

The essence of Coaching is unlocking a person’s natural potential to maximise their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.