Speaking of Talent ... Oprah at the ATD Conference

For those of us to work behind the scenes to help others develop their own talents and the talent of others, it's possible to lose sight of how deeply inspirational a calling it is to work in this field. Unlike people who see the reactions of those in the classroom, curriculum designers like me don't get to experience the direct impact of what we create. So coming to a conference like ATD 2019 really lights a fire. And, if you are looking for an inspirational person who has truly developed her own talents to the max -- as well as providing a platform for thousands of others -- Oprah Winfrey was a stellar choice.

Her keynote on Monday, May 20 revolved around a simple and powerful idea: "Live out the truest expression of yourself as a human being." The task of a human being, she said, was to ask How can I fully become myself? Whether in choosing a career or a hobby, or deciding what kind of education to pursue, this question can help keep us on our authentic path. And, it helps those around us, Winfrey said, because "Watching you be yourself, makes me want to be more of myself." She led us through key points in her talent development journey, noting that when things have gone wrong for her, it was always because either she did not follow her own "gut" intuitions. "Natural knowing tells you this way or that way or no way.  If you don’t know what to do, do nothing.  ... Asking what do you think means you should stop yourself and get clear until you get the answer. When I have not listened to that instinct, I got in real trouble."

I identified with her story of, at times, not following her own instincts because she "didn’t want to make waves." It was interesting to hear her own leadership development journey. She confessed she was a "terrible manager" because she wanted to make everyone happy, and that it took some work to unsnarl the good side of leading from the ego-based side. She came to understand that her role was mostly to let people knowthey are heard and have your full attention: "This is the greatest gift you can give them."

As talent developers or leaders in an organization, she said, your job is to help people understand where they belong and how they can adapt or change to more fully express their talents.That helps the organizations they work for, as well: "What makes you the best at your job is when you are the most whole—you have truth and balance, and execute the best when you have the wholeness."

As I took notes for this blog, I was pondering, How can I apply this to my own role? I am not a teacher, not a leader or executive, but someone who designs and creates the materials that support these more dynamic personalities. I had to laugh when she said one of the best questions to gauge your commitment was "Would I do this if my name were not on it?" because my name is never on anything I produce! Then I heard her say;

You start exactly where you are.  Your life is speaking to you, trying to get your attention. Whatever your talent is— your offering — what and how can your offering serve something that is greater than yourself?  Beyond your ego.  How can I be used in service?  Not just in work but in relationships.  What can I do to help you? Your job as a human being is to make yourself whole—not perfect—that wholeness fills you up so your cup runneth over!

Wow. So, sharing my overflowing cup of inspiration with you this morning! Stay tuned for a recap of some of the amazing sessions I've attended, later today.