07 Aug The Talent Code – developing skill and acquiring mastery
How humans develop skills is a hugely important topic. We tend to think of going through school and into higher education or training as the main way we develop the knowledge and skills required for our careers. We think about going to sports practice or having music lessons to gain skills outside the world of work. But how exactly do we learn skills? How do we become masters in a subject?
This is exactly what Daniel Coyle explores in his book The Talent Code.
The Talent Code
We often think of talent as something we’re born with, at least in part. However, New York Times bestselling author Daniel Coyle wants you to question that notion. Even if you do believe that talent is in one’s DNA, it can’t hurt to entertain the fact that your skills can be greatly enhanced with the right motivation and training.
The full title of this 2009 book is “The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown. Here’s How.” Coyle weighs in on the nature vs nurture argument and his findings clearly show that it is nurture that appears to win in the long term. To say the book is well-researched is an understatement and the author went to great lengths to ‘unlock the code’.
From Amazon:
Drawing on cutting-edge neurology and firsthand research gathered on journeys to nine of the world’s talent hotbeds—from the baseball fields of the Caribbean to a classical-music academy in upstate New York—Coyle identifies the three key elements that will allow you to develop your gifts and optimize your performance in sports, art, music, math, or just about anything.
You can find out more about the book and read its reviews here.
Why parents should read The Talent Code
Gaining a better understanding of exactly how people gain skills will help you be a better educator. We all have preconceptions and limiting beliefs and it’s our responsibility to challenge our own thinking and educate ourselves. If we don’t, we run the risk of passing on our limitations to the next generation.
Not only will you learn from The Talent Code, but you’ll be inspired and motivated to nurture your child’s interests and help them find mastery.
You can get a quick insight into the book from this podcast. In this episode of “Beers with Chad”, host Chad Wesley-Smith (an elite powerlifter and coach) discusses some of the fascinating studies from the book. Listen from 3:26:
Lessons that Chad goes through in this podcast:
- The effect of buy-in
- How experts practice
- Effective cuing
Chad applies these lessons to athletes, especially powerlifters, but the teachings are relevant in other sports, music, business and education too.
Have you read The Talent Code? What did you think? Are there any other books we should recommend? We’d love to hear from you.
