What would you describe as "Things that Require Zero Talent"?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 19:50:22 -0400

RP this is an OLD Post, but one that just keeps giving - join in brothers and sisters!

I've got my list of (10) Things in the picture above.

What can you add to this list to describe things that take zero talent when it comes to you waking up in the morning and you decide to take on the world, the job market, your own business, and your own individual goals?

Self what can I do that doesn't take training or talent?

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 29 at 2016 7:53 PM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 19:53:05 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I agree a great share

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 29 at 2016 7:55 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 19:55:02 -0400

Okay COL Mikel J. Burroughs here is my list of additional things which doi not require talent or training:
1. faith in God; 2. waking when an alarm goes off; 3. getting out of bed correctly without hurting my back; 4. treating each person with respect; 5. loving my wife and sons; 6. hearing what the Lord has to say to me.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 7:56 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 19:56:18 -0400

"Things that require talent" aren't measured, even by the standards of a typically soft MOS. Saying that ALL human beings possess these skills are the same as saying that ALL are fit to serve. It's an old-fashioned way of looking ay most people, and can't be limited to just servicemen/women.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 29 at 2016 7:57 PM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 19:57:08 -0400

My list would also include paying it forward. Help others to succeed.

Speak assertively while remaining calm, clear and controlled as well as concise.

Response by LTC David Brown made Jun 29 at 2016 7:59 PM

LTC David Brown — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 19:59:42 -0400

Being appropriately attired.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 29 at 2016 8:04 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 20:04:39 -0400

Noooooooo.... All those things you've listed take mega-talent... and discipline. Things that don't require talent are bodily functions, making babies, walking (not to include walking without tripping), sleeping, voting (although voting sensibly requires talent or if hanging chads are involved). Nothing on my list requires talent or discipline.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 8:07 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 20:07:37 -0400

Telling the truth.
Being informed.
Acknowledging others.
Taking responsibility.
Being courteous.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 8:50 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 20:50:56 -0400

Adhering to the ARMY / Military Values.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 9:04 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 21:04:04 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I would add:

1. Mentor others by sharing you knowledge and wisdom.
2. It is also important to learn from your mistakes, so you do not make the same mistake twice.
3. Arrive early for every appointment to make sure you are on time and presentable.
4. Be a planner. If you are giving a presentation, perform as many dry runs as you need to make sure the equipment works and you know the material.

Response by Cpl Kevin Osborne made Jun 29 at 2016 9:16 PM

Cpl Kevin Osborne — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 21:16:25 -0400

Willingness to learn and desire to be taught.
Humility
Kindness
Forgiveness
Integrity

So of my other answers were already said too!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 10:13 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 22:13:49 -0400

11. Being a Politician

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Jun 29 at 2016 11:21 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 23:21:05 -0400

As usual, COL Mikel Burroughs, you are spot on with this list. I will be introducing this to my patients on the psych floor who decided that the Army was not for them. Maybe they can figure out something when they become civilians again.

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made Jun 30 at 2016 6:59 AM

Sgt Christopher Wenzel — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 06:59:52 -0400

How about respect? Having the tact to adapt in uncomfortable situations and still show courtesy to others, both in billets above and below you?

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jun 30 at 2016 7:18 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 07:18:12 -0400

I would modify being on time to being 15 minutes (or more) early. Being on time just clears the bar. Cannot tell you how many times I have seen that one hurt someone.

Would also add dress appropriately. Yes, these days you can assume nothing.

It is a rock solid list though. As Franklin said, "laziness moves so slowly that poverty soon overtakes it." These things show energy and willingness to put out some effort.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 30 at 2016 11:15 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 11:15:39 -0400

Tell the truth. It may take courage, but requires less talent than lying effectively.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 4:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 16:14:04 -0400

Sir, I think that most of the stuff on your list not only requires talent but being gritty as well! You can't teach grit, either you have it or you don't. Good post.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jul 5 at 2016 10:53 AM

SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 10:53:50 -0400

Helping someone in need, like making donations to organizations that help our troops.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 5 at 2016 12:59 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 12:59:45 -0400

Very appropriate list.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 5 at 2016 4:25 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 16:25:00 -0400

Being crazy. Because any one can be crazy and that is because all can come up with an excuse for your 10, but try coming up with an excuse for not being crazy. If you do you just proved that you are crazy.

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Jul 6 at 2016 2:10 PM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 14:10:22 -0400

Answering the phone at any hour

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 6:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 18:45:42 -0400

Listening
Open minded
Flexible

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Jul 7 at 2016 5:56 PM

LTC Jesse Edwards — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 17:56:28 -0400

Being lucky.
Some people drive over the IED. Others don't.
Luck matters.

Response by SGT Robert George made Jul 7 at 2016 7:26 PM

SGT Robert George — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 19:26:09 -0400

Prayer

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jul 8 at 2016 9:41 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 21:41:51 -0400

I would say taking responsibility and telling the truth always.

Response by 1LT Susan Bailey made Jul 9 at 2016 10:32 PM

1LT Susan Bailey — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 22:32:29 -0400

1. Passion for something
2. Motivation to suceed
3. Sleeping enough
4. Kindness towards others
5. Courtesy towards others
6. Meditation
7. Reading
8. Working on Self-Development
9. Goal setting
10. Seeking help when you need it

Response by SSG William Egan made Jul 10 at 2016 12:10 AM

SSG William Egan — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 00:10:55 -0400

TWO SIMPLE THINGS THAT HAS RECENTLY COME TO LIGHT....

BEING AN FBI DIRECTOR OR ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES.

I WOULD APPLY FOR EITHER POSITION, BUT APPARENTLY I AM OVER QUALIFIED :)

Response by MAJ Brandon Outlaw,PMP made Jul 11 at 2016 9:04 AM

MAJ Brandon Outlaw,PMP — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 09:04:54 -0400

I love this! I would add: 11. Integrity 12. Accountability

Response by SGT Bryan Dodd made Jul 11 at 2016 11:05 AM

SGT Bryan Dodd — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 11:05:17 -0400

Fair but firm,keep ppl informed, be aware of self and make room for improvement.

Response by SA Tony Minton made Jul 11 at 2016 3:06 PM

SA Tony Minton — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 15:06:38 -0400

Colonel, i agree with with your 10 things. I would include the ability to do those 10 as well as those not listed.

Response by SGM Barry Kindred made Aug 7 at 2016 5:57 PM

SGM Barry Kindred — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 17:57:13 -0400

Candor
Integrity
No effort.

Response by Maj William W. 'Bill' Price made Aug 7 at 2016 6:18 PM

Maj William W. 'Bill' Price — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 18:18:43 -0400

Here's my list, COL Mikel J. Burroughs (inspired by personal experience, put to words by Lori McKenna, and recently to music by Tim McGraw):
1) Stay humble
2) Be kind
3) Don't hold a grudge
4) Hold the door
5) Say "Please"
6) Say "Thank you"
7) Say "Yes/no sir"
8) Don't lie
9) Don't steal
10) Don't cheat

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 7 at 2016 8:39 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 20:39:12 -0400

SNCO's always mention this" RIGHT place, RIGHT, uniform, RIGHT attitude, RIGHT time. If you can do that, you're damn near unstoppable.

Response by PO3 Steven Stinnett made Aug 8 at 2016 11:56 AM

PO3 Steven Stinnett — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 11:56:49 -0400

being consistent in all you do...

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Aug 8 at 2016 3:04 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 15:04:08 -0400

How about just being a good listener!

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Aug 9 at 2016 10:40 AM

COL Lee Flemming — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 10:40:06 -0400

Empathy...!

Response by 1SG Dennis Jones made Jan 3 at 2017 10:23 AM

1SG Dennis Jones — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 10:23:50 -0500

Be at least 15 minutes early for work, I have done this all my working life

Response by MAJ Eric G Troup made Jan 3 at 2017 12:50 PM

MAJ Eric G Troup — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 12:50:14 -0500

I might also think of these as the most important of talents. Maybe they are talents of character as opposed to specific athletic or technical talents. They are nonetheless universal enabling talents. Some are a function of ones DNA. But most can be learned. People possessing these talents tend to be successful across all fields of endeavor.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Jan 15 at 2017 7:49 PM

TSgt George Rodriguez — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 19:49:41 -0500

Observant

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2017 11:07 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 23:07:46 -0500

expecting the unexpected, not being so trusting, having enough money for emergencies, having a cell phone backup battery handy.

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Jan 15 at 2017 11:24 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 23:24:08 -0500

Ok Col Mikel Burroughs, here's my list (but these things are priceless)
1. A genuine smile 2. A warm hug 3. "Please" "thank you" "You're welcome"
4. Punctuality (if you are early, you're on time- if you're on time, you're late)
5. Appropriate attire
6. Respect (leave the trailer park there)
7. A sense of humor 8. Can laugh at oneself 9. Can take criticism 10. Takes initiative

Response by SGT James Murphy made Jul 25 at 2019 12:16 PM

SGT James Murphy — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 12:16:18 -0400

What a Great Post!

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Jul 25 at 2019 2:34 PM

CW2 Michael Bodnar — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 14:34:07 -0400

Many people in society can take some lessons from this picture! I teach this to my youngest who will be 18 next year and it still hasn't sunk in yet. We also need to hold people accountable to these basic standards and explain why they're important.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2019 8:23 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 20:23:52 -0400

Excellent post Col.!!! Shared to FB !!!

Response by Sgt John H. made Jul 25 at 2019 9:53 PM

Sgt John H. — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 21:53:03 -0400

Smiling
Kindness
Accountability
Patience

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Jul 26 at 2019 12:48 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 00:48:34 -0400

Be on time. Do not lie. Give it your best shot. Volunteer for the hardest jobs. Wait to get married and have kids. I did not even look at your list. This is my list.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 26 at 2019 1:49 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 01:49:33 -0400

OK, I gotta admit, that's funny....

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Jul 26 at 2019 3:06 PM

LTC Tom Jones — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:06:12 -0400

Eating pie.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Jul 26 at 2019 4:40 PM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 16:40:46 -0400

How about having "Good Manners". Some people need to read the Etiquette Book by Emily Post.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Jul 26 at 2019 5:13 PM

MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 17:13:44 -0400

Positive outlook...it makes all of the other factors happen.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2019 5:19 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 17:19:53 -0400

Forgiveness, integrity. Charity work. COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Jul 26 at 2019 6:23 PM

LTC Ken Connolly — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:23:12 -0400

Being polite.

Response by CWO3 Dave Alcantara made Jul 27 at 2019 11:48 AM

CWO3 Dave Alcantara — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 11:48:08 -0400

Looks perfect to me

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2019 12:10 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 12:10:30 -0400

Great Old Post, COL Mikel J. Burroughs... Additions could include"
1) Helping others
2) Get up early
3) Hit the sack early
4) Stay out of trouble
5) Think before you act
I am sure there are dozens of things we all can do that do not require special talent!!

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 27 at 2019 12:23 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 12:23:55 -0400

loyalty, pursuit of technical knowledge, honesty.

Response by SGT Thomas Seward made Jul 27 at 2019 12:28 PM

SGT Thomas Seward — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 12:28:11 -0400

Being honest! We taught our kids that you only keep one thing your entire life and that’s your reputation. Now we have 4 adult kids that are 23, 24, 27, & 30 that are all honest and hard working productive members of society. They all graduated high school, and still no babies. Our oldest was the first to marry almost 4 years ago and we gained a now 13 year old grandson. Two others have married, and 2 years ago we gained a now 12 year old granddaughter.
I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful wife, kids, and grandkids to walk through life with.

Response by SGT Thomas Seward made Jul 27 at 2019 12:32 PM

SGT Thomas Seward — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 12:32:40 -0400

Oh, and my kids all live by the ‘if you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re already late’ mantra! I learned it from my parents, and taught it to my kids.
In ~40 years I can only recall being late for work once, and I had a car accident on the way!

Response by SPC Chris Bayner-Cwik made Jul 27 at 2019 12:54 PM

SPC Chris Bayner-Cwik — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 12:54:27 -0400

Being kind

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Jul 27 at 2019 12:57 PM

PO2 John Driskill — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 12:57:18 -0400

Turning on the coffee maker.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2019 12:58 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 12:58:40 -0400

Loving God, doing good works, a kind word, a smile, words of encouragement, forgiving.

Response by CPO John Bjorge made Jul 27 at 2019 6:05 PM

CPO John Bjorge — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 18:05:57 -0400

I can think of a lot of things but I'm 65 and retired now after Navy I drove truck for 20 years. These days it's only the urge to go to the head that gets me up then the cats have to be fed. Work hard, play hard and love Family harder. Wherever I go I always try to Smile at others and be polite to all. Some days the reactions I get are GOOD but other days it's bad.

I Smile.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Leake made Jul 28 at 2019 2:08 AM

SSG Jeffrey Leake — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 02:08:33 -0400

Um...... breathing?? Lol. I couldn't help myself, sorry.

Response by SGM Major Stroupe made Jul 28 at 2019 7:29 AM

SGM Major Stroupe — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 07:29:03 -0400

And Jesus told us to love one another.

Response by CPL Steve Freeman made Jul 28 at 2019 9:03 AM

CPL Steve Freeman — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 09:03:08 -0400

Front leaning rest position