replying to: Talent without Character LO26910
Together with Leo van de Burg I have been investigating the grounds that
lead managers to decide to either train (coach) or remove (within or
without the organization) employees that donšt function as they should.
The results of this investigation show a general state of confusion. In
the reactions not much is said about the functioning whereas we learn a
lot about the manager: his patience, perseverance, allergies, and - in
some cases - his middle-of-the-road values.
To pronounce valid statements about human functioning I claim that we need
a frame of reference offering answers to the question what defines human
potential and including the issue of changeability.
Lasting versus dynamic
All humans have a set of lasting, stable characteristics that are partly
determined by genetic and hereditary factors. These characteristics that are
essentially based in the past form a reservoir of talents, split into what I
call nature and mental constitution.
Talent can unfold but only under the agency of character. As opposed to
talent character is dynamic and changeable. It enables development and the
actualization of latent talent. Within the sphere of influence of character
we find the (changing) capacities that may be used to any end and the (also
changing) motives, grounds to any action.
Consequences for the learning process
With talent as a base, character as a formative force and orientation as
coloring, every human being functions within his or her possibilities. The
development of personal capacities is the effect of a learning process.
This learning process takes place through the personal connection that
people make with themselves and their surroundings while putting their
talents at use. With this personal connection people set off their own
transformation process that leads to qualities referred to as knowledge,
skills and attitudes. The degree to which people are connected to their
own motives determines the outcome, the result of this learning process.
If we want to be able to solve peoplešs functioning problems whether in
attitude, behavior or achievement it will be indispensable not to only
analyze and correct the visible behavior, but to try and understand the
whole inner system of possibilities and limitations of that personality
ourselves included: for it is by understanding OURSELVES that we create
understanding for others. It is important to look at the impulses
underlying behavior. Perhaps we will find that the learning process has
come to its natural end, that the possibilities of this particular talent
are simply exhausted. On the other hand, instead of limitations we might
as well encounter new possibilities for self-development, unexpected,
sleeping talent^Ę.
greetings,
Winfried Deijmann (Leo v.d. Burg)
-- Mr. Winfried M. Deijmann - Zutphen - The Netherlands Businessmanager Management Development for HORIZONGROEP BUNNIK <deijmann@dialoog.net> Phone + Fax: +31-(0)575-522076 personal website: International: <http://dialoog.net/deijmann> Corporate website: HORIZONGROEP - BUNNIK - HOLLAND: <http://www.horizongroep.nl> (Under construction) corporate email: <deijmann@horizongroep.nl>"An educated mind is useless without a focussed will and dangerous without a loving heart."
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