Talent Is Overrated - by Geoff Colvin (Paperback)

About the Book

Expanding on a landmark cover story in "Fortune," a top journalist debunks the myths of exceptional performance. Colvin has expanded his article with much more scientific background and real-world examples, which will inspire readers to achieve more in all they do.

Book Synopsis

"Excellent."--The Wall Street Journal

Since its publication ten years ago, businesspeople, investors, doctors, parents, students, athletes, and musicians at every level have adopted the maxims of Talent Is Overrated to get better at what they're passionate about. Now this classic has been updated and revised with new research and takeaways to help anyone achieve even greater performance.

Why are certain people so incredibly great at what they do? Most of us think we know the answer--but we're almost always wrong. That's important, because if we're wrong on this crucial question, then we have zero chance of getting significantly better at anything we care about.
Happily, the real source of great performance is no longer a mystery. Bringing together extensive scientific research, bestselling author Geoff Colvin shows where we go wrong and what actually makes world-class performers so remarkable. It isn't specific, innate talent, nor is it plain old hard work. It's a very specific type of work that anyone can do--but most people don't.
What's more, the principles of great performance apply to virtually any activity that matters to you. Readers worldwide have been inspired by this book's liberating message: You don't need a one-in-a-million natural gift. Better performance, and maybe even world-class performance, is closer than you think.

Review Quotes

"Provocative." --Time

"A profoundly important book." --Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind

"What an exciting book!" --Ram Charan, coauthor of Execution

"I rejoice! What Geoff says comports totally with my own experiences in sports, law, and business." --Herb Kelleher, founder, Southwest Airlines

About the Author

Geoff Colvin, Fortune's senior edi­tor at large, is one of America's most respected journalists. He lectures widely and is the regular lead modera­tor for the Fortune Global Forum. A frequent television guest, Colvin also appears daily on the CBS Radio Net­work, reaching seven million listeners each week. He coanchored Wall Street Week on PBS for three years. He lives in Fairfield, Connecticut.