Often a question will be asked, “what are you good at?”

What do you expect to be the answer to this question? What exactly does this question want? What are you being asked?

Nothing big! Do you have any talent? Do you have something, by your own assessment, you are good at? What do you like doing?

This is actually, if well assessed, your talent.

What then is talent?

This is a natural ability or aptitude for something. It can be an intellectual ability, creativity, physical ability or social engagement.

If it’s intellectual, then it’s an innate capacity. This makes learning or excelling in a particular area easier than it will be for others.

Talents can be found in music, problem-solving, leadership, writing, or athletics.

How do we nurture talent?Nurturing talent involves identifying it early and creating an environment that supports its growth.

The main steps towards nurturing talent include:

1. Identifying the talent by observing consistently strength or ease of doing things in a particular area. This can by done by giving assessments and getting feedback, or allowing performance to spot potential.

2. Encouragement and supporting identified talent by providing emotional encouragement and positive reinforcement. The identified talent need to be surrounded with mentors, role models, or supportive peers.

3. Train and educate the identified person by offering structured learning. Give courses, workshops, and/or coaching. Supply resources like books, tools, and technology needed.

4. Encourage deliberate practice to refine skills. Give constructive, prompt feedback to guide improvement.

5. Offer opportunities for exposure like letting them join in competitions, performances, or public presentations. Involve them in projects or tasks that stretch their ability.

6. Create right environment that will allow cultivation of a growth mindset. Avoid over protection or pressure. Allow room for risk and failure.

7. Regularly check in on the way their development is taking shape and adapt strategies needed for improvement. Encourage them to set SMART goals for continual improvement.