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Natural talent is rarely natural, it looks natural after thousands of small reps
by Drew Robbins
4 min read
Grow With Purpose
What looks like innate leadership ability is almost always learned through thousands of small, deliberate actions practiced over time.
In teams, people often point to "born leaders," those who seem effortlessly trusted, composed, or persuasive. But up close, what looks innate is almost always learned. These individuals reflect after meetings, ask for one clear piece of feedback, adjust how they frame ideas, and try again the next day. The charismatic speaker runs quiet drills, shortens stories, watches recordings, and sharpens their first 30 seconds. The trusted coach finds questions that spark insight, notes what landed, and changes one behavior before the next one-on-one.
Skill growth looks ordinary up close. A simple vision guides our daily choices, such as becoming the person others trust in ambiguity or the communicator who brings clarity under pressure. A supportive network makes the work sustainable with mentors who tell the truth, peers who share patterns, and teammates who celebrate small wins. Progress sticks when people forgive themselves for misses, name the lesson, and move forward without replaying the mistake all week.
I keep thinking about Jason, a colleague who recently passed away. Everyone described him as having a natural gift for connection, the kind of person who made you feel seen within seconds. But Jason never called it a gift. He built it. He made a habit of checking in on others, asking how they were really doing, and noticing the details most people missed. He listened deeply, tuned in to reactions, and adjusted how he showed up. Over time, those daily choices, small, deliberate, and consistent, shaped the warmth and trust people felt in his presence.
Jason's life is a reminder that connection, leadership, and empathy aren't traits we're born with. They're skills we practice, refine, and recommit to, one small action at a time. Thank you to Jamie Kim for this reminder today.
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.
— James Clear, Atomic Habits
What is the small vote you will cast today for the leader, coach, or communicator you intend to become?
Try This
Ask one person for a single behavior you could adjust this week, then practice it in one meeting.
Notice What Happens
Track how the room responds, clarity, energy, and follow ups.
Share or Reflect
Name one habit you are building and the vision it serves, post it or write it down.
Keep Going
Build a weekly loop, reflect on one interaction, get feedback, adjust one behavior, repeat with self compassion.
If this resonates, share with your network to help others replace the talent myth with daily growth.
