Harnessing Passion & Productivity:
How to Leverage the Power of Unique Ability™

By Jake Jacobs, CPA

In any company of any size, there are some tasks that are being performed just adequately. The person responsible for the task at hand lacks a passion for the responsibility. No amount of work ethic or pride of ownership can replace a lack of passion.

These pockets of mediocrity linger like the elephant in the board room that no one talks about, all the while displaying themselves front and center to clients. Everyone knows that John isn’t good at recruiting. News flash: John knows it, too. However, the politics of the organization and the desire for job security, even at the executive level, prevent John and everyone else from addressing the issue.

In an economic environment where every person and every department influences success and profitability, why would we allow any one task to be performed in a mediocre manner?

Enter the Unique Ability™ organization

Unique Ability is defined as the activities in one’s business or personal life that bring immense joy and internal satisfaction. These are the activities that you love doing, that give you energy and make you feel like a contributor. It’s the old adage, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

How to spot a Unique Ability disconnect

Do you notice that a certain role is never being performed quite right? The person isn’t exactly failing, but they’re not quite succeeding either. Perhaps things are missing or mistakes are being repeated. Maybe you’ve even received some gentle critiquing from clients.

Consider the impact of conducting a Unique Ability evaluation. The evaluation involves identifying every employee’s Unique Ability and then analyzing and redistributing roles and responsibilities accordingly. The impact on work environment and productivity can be astoundingly positive. Tasks that are dreaded by one are embraced by others. A sense of pride and ownership reveal themselves in new ways from existing employees. Coming to work becomes a whole lot more fun again.

There is nothing more affirming than an employer who truly cares about how an employee feels – and demonstrates that care through action. The evaluation provides an opportunity – in a non-crisis situation and in a mutual manner – to discuss an organization’s perception of an employee, and the employee’s perception of the organization.

Keep in mind that addressing these issues can be dangerous. You may feel an individual is clearly lacking in an area in which they believe they are excelling. The evaluation is best handled by a trained facilitator.

Rose, Snyder & Jacobs has operated a Unique Ability organization for the past five years. For more information regarding our Unique Ability consulting services, please contact Jake Jacobs at 818.461.0600.

Trademark Strategic Coach Inc. All rights reserved.

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