The aikido dojo I train in had a significant event over the weekend.  Five of our members took a test, and I was one of them.

I won’t go into all the background here about aikido (*see the footnote below if you’re interested).  Since we don’t have competitions or tournaments in aikido, testing (and the training that leads up to that) is one of the times when we are able to assess what we have learned and how much more there is to learn.  Besides demonstrating specific techniques that are called out early on, the last part of the test involves multiple attackers coming at you from all directions and you have to effectively deal with each attack without injuring yourself or anyone else.  It is a true test of poise under pressure.

What does this have to do with talent?  Aikido emphasizes constant development over time through practice.  You learn about your own fears and limits and abilities by practicing with many different partners of different ability levels.    Since I’ve been practicing for over 10 years, I’ve seen a lot of people come through the various dojos where I’ve studied.  Some people are naturally gifted.  Others clearly are not.  Both benefit greatly through regular practice. 

It is the same with talent in organizations.  Some people are more talented than others, but if there is no real contest then there is nothing to prove.  The emphasis can shift from competitive ”games” and politics to learning and development.  We are all on a path, we will all face a test and the real question is how will you perform under pressure?   I believe that organizations whose cultures resemble a dojo more than an alley are going to do a much better job of attracting and retaining the right kind of talent to be truly competitive and productive over time.  What do you think?

*aikido is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes a non-violent and peaceful resolution of conflict; it’s also a rigorous practice that works on multiple levels-physically, emotionally, spiritually-depending on what a practitioner is looking for.  For more information you can google “aikido” and finds lots of information (and lots of misinformation) on the web.  I recommend you watch a class or demonstration if you ever get the chance.