Kim’s Message: What do you Mean it Takes No Talent?

TNT = Takes No Talent

The other day I was listening to a podcast about leadership styles and the speaker said, “Sometimes the things that make a leader great aren’t college degrees or job experience, it’s those TNT habits!” What in the heck is a TNT habit and do I have any, I asked myself? The speaker went on to explain that TNT stands for Takes No Talent and is a philosophy that says there are certain things that anyone can do that will take you from good to great. TNT habits don’t require special skills, degrees, or experience, but they do take effort, commitment and discipline. More importantly, anyone at any level in an organization can do things that Take No Talent.

Examples of traits that Take No Talent (TNT) include:

• Showing up early for a meeting
• Raising your hand when someone asks for a volunteer
• Being enthusiastic about what you’ve agreed to do
• Working hard
• Listening more and talking less

I didn’t have time to finish the podcast, but was so intrigued by this new acronym and philosophy, that I wanted to learn more. So, I dug around on the internet and discovered that while the TNT catch phrase is new to me, this concept isn’t new at all. In fact, the Miami Dolphins have a large wall at their training facility, painted with the letters T.N.T. Inside of each letter are more words (in all caps), such as, “body language, communicating, knowing the rules, effort, maximal conditioning” and so on.  An article written by The Palm Beach Post about the TNT Wall said, “The tradition of either an individual player, position group or entire unit stopping what they are doing to make their way to the wall located in the back corner of the first practice field has taken on a life of its own. It emphasizes the importance of accountability.”

I found more articles, from business, sports and life coaches, who all agree that there is power in consistency and that mastering fundamentals and daily habits are the key to effective leadership. My favorite article came from Marty Osborne, a business coach and speaker, who said, “leadership isn’t about talent. It’s about doing the right things—over and over again.”  Well said, Marty!

Want to make sure your team has the TNT skills that will set your company apart from others? Register your up and coming leaders for our next L.E.A.D. Supervisor Certification Series, which regularly sells out and begins on May 22, 2025. Only a handful of seats remain for this session.

I hope your Spring is filled with great experiences that TNT!