A few years ago, Scott Adams (of Dilbert fame) popularized an idea he called “lots of talent.” The notion was that cleverly combining good skills was better than becoming world class at one thing.

For example, it is difficult to sell a platinum record or win a Nobel Prize.

But, using himself as an example:

He was a decent (but not expert) cartoonist.

He was funnier than most people, but not the funniest.

His business skills were solid without being exceptional.

The combination of these allowed him to create an absurdly long and influential comic strip.

It’s faster, easier, and better to combine good skills than to master anything.

This is a useful way to think about your own career, as well as the effectiveness of your team. What combination of skills do you have that will take you to new heights?

It’s worth thinking about.

All I will add to Scott’s opinion is not to dwell on the talents.

If you invest avidly in the skills of your people, they will love you for it and it will pay off.

But just as the best farmers want to leave the land better than they found it, the best leaders also want to leave their people better off.

Improving your skills is an excellent start.

But a person is more than a bubble of talent.

Your mental health and well-being also need to be considered.

People are not always renewable resources. They can be. But the way some leaders push their people to the ground, it doesn’t always work that way.

Sometimes, in the drive for excellence, people burn out.

Some leaders see this as the price of business. I see it as lazy and clumsy leadership. No matter what is at stake, ruining people should never be tolerated.

Stress can make someone stronger or break them.

The difference?

I won’t talk about the value of downtime. If you don’t know that people need to rest and relax, then there isn’t much I can help you with.

but there is more

Consider research on traffic. Two people can get stuck in the same traffic jam. One may get exhausted while the other takes the opportunity to relax.

What makes the difference?

Largely, your attitudes toward the situation.

Here’s how to use that to your advantage:

If your people trust you, they can take a lot more pressure.

If they think you’re using them to advance your own career, dammit to your health and happiness, they’ll give up much sooner.

Simple and profound advice.

That’s why the best leaders respect their people and earn their trust.