Originally published by Bruce Kasanoff on LinkedIn: Do YOU Bring Out Talent in Other People?

Yes, yes, I know that you have many fine skills. You are intelligent and hardworking, and you probably "exceeded expectations" on your last job review. But enough already with your talents.

What really matters is the degree to which you bring out talent in other people.

I have a friend - let's call him Craig - who does this without thinking. He walks into a room and starts asking questions. He wants to know the most interesting things you know, so he listens intently to your answers. He does this for a while, then he starts making connections...

"Wow, I had no idea you were so interested in sketching. Jane - the creative director down the hall - teaches a Sprint class at The New School and she helps people of all skill levels visualize out-of-the-box solutions."

He'll do this all afternoon:

• exhibit curiosity

• ask probing questions

• compliment initiative and experimentation

• connect people and ideas

Craig seeks pleasure, not credit. His reward is an interesting day, week, month, and life. He delights in finding the best that you have to offer.

You don't have to act like Craig, but you absolutely should develop your own ways of bringing out talent in other people.

To be 100% clear, I'm not telling you to "manage" other people. You can bring out talent in neighbors, friends, relatives, or the clerk at your local store.

Next time you dine in a restaurant, ask your waitress what she recommends, and see if you can shift her mindset from order taker to trusted advisor.

Now let me ask you a tough question: how do you bring out talent in other people?

I'm not asking you for a theoretical answer. I'm asking you to pause, take a close look at your own behavior, and see if you can provide yourself - and me - with at least one specific answer.

To prove that I'm paying attention, I promise to Like every comment that answers my specific question: how do you bring out talent in other people?

Bruce Kasanoff ghostwrites articles for a wide range of business professionals.