3 Keys To Being Better At Your Job

The Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30) is packed with wisdom.

That includes three keys to how becoming more skilled at your job.

These three principles are applicable regardless of whether you are a doctor, lawyer, secretary, salesperson or manager.

1.  Experience. The servant to whom 5 talents was given was the most skilled. We know that because the master gave to each according to their ability and the first servant received more money than the others. Jesus said the first servant immediately went and traded and gained 5 more. I think its a fair inference the first servant knew immediately how to turn 5 talents into 10 because he’d done it before. He didn’t even have to think about it. This is true of just about any job: the more experience you have the more skilled you will be.

2.  Emulation. Jesus says the second servant in the same manner gained 2 more talents. I think its fair to infer the second servant watched and then emulated what the first servant had done. Watching people who are great at whatever your job is is a great way to improve your skills. I’m currently reading books by excellent trial lawyers so I can become a better trial lawyer. I’ve been doing it for years. I get the benefit of their experience without the time it took them to accumulate it. As I’ve written before, read to lead in your field.

3.  Work hard. The master scolded the third servant because he was lazy. Working harder than those around you is a great way to get better at what you do. First, the more you work the faster you will gain experience at what you do. See Key #1. Second, the more you work, the more opportunity you have to correct mistakes you might make and the more time you have to get a job done, which usually results in a better result.

Do these three things, and the Lord can say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” GS

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