Unleash Talent

Book excerpt: Students need teachers and school leaders who are at their best- and being your best happens when you know your strengths and boldly use them to empower others. Talent often hides in the most unlikely people and places. Hidden talents serve no one, but when you learn how to spot and release talent, you can make your school amazing for everyone. In Unleash Talent, educator and principal Kara Knollmeyer explains that by exploring the core elements of talent-passion, skills, and personality traits-you can uncover your gifts and help others do the same. It doesn't matter if you are a teacher, administrator, or custodian; your unique talents can make a powerful impact on your school community. Knollmeyer's insightful guide walks you through a powerful process of self-discovery. She notes that scores, job satisfaction, happiness, and teacher retention improve when every member of the school community is encouraged to use their unique gifts. You'll learn . . . Why we should bring our passions to work How to draw out and build on existing skills Why we should embrace our unique and varied personality traits All learners-children and adults alike-have special talents just waiting to be unleashed.