People are casseroles.  Huh?  Yes, people are like casseroles.  “Uncle Wayne has lost it” is what you are probably saying about now.  You wouldn’t be the first.

But let me explain.

I used this analogy a number of years ago when describing a “key talent” employee to my then-boss and mentor, Gary Cotshott.  He laughed (and he has a big laugh) and looked at me like I was crazy, which was not an uncommon occurrence.  As anyone who knows me is painfully aware, there are many “Wayne-isms”.  This was another in a long line.

But I digress.

“That’s right”, I told him.  So-and-so is like a great casserole.  He/she has all the right ingredients and all we have to do is let her/him bake a while.  That was my “Wayne-ism” for simply needing some time in the role or experience to demonstrate results.

I tend to look at talent that way.  It is my Individualization Strength.  However, you won’t find that analogy in Gallup’s books.

Each person is unique and I am fascinated by that uniqueness and how to get the most out of their talents.  What “ingredients” (Strengths and Talents) do they possess, how do you draw out some of those “ingredients” (Unlock their passions), maybe add a little spice or ingredient modification (Learning and Development), mix (Leadership) and then bake (Experience) at the right temperature (Leadership and Culture).

Starting to get it now?

And one key here is that I didn’t say what kind of casserole.  I believe in Strengths, so you have to take those ingredients that are present as a start and let the Racker be their own “unique” casserole.   This is the art of Leadership.

Plus, not everyone likes broccoli.  But if it is broccoli they are, then go with it because you can do a lot with broccoli.   Chez Wayne, anyone?

So, think of people as casseroles and what they are, rather than what they aren’t.  Accentuate those ingredients.  And maybe help them add a little something when necessary.  But never over-power the core ingredients.  You won’t like the taste and no amount of baking will fix it.

And if they are a broccoli rice casserole, then find the role in your organization where that dish is best served.

All this food talk and I’m hungry now.  Casserole anyone?

Photo Credit, kevindooley

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