Are you lazy or do you simply lack talent?

I first heard this startling inquiry from Frank Somma (www.franksomma.com). It is a remarkably clear and effective question.

If you prefer a kinder inquiry, then use the following:

"Is obtaining my objective a matter of working harder, or developing new skills?"

I have followed a number of people who have struggled with regaining employment since the financial crisis of a few years ago. These are good and talented people. They should have jobs by now. But guess what? There is a reason why they don't. That reason will be different depending on the person, but believe me, there is a reason. And the answer is revealed by honestly asking the lazy or untalented question.

When success is slow to come, or when results remain out of reach, don't scratch your head, shrug your shoulders or blame the world for your troubles...look inward and ask the question (you pick the version).

For those of you who are called to lead, don't short-change those you are trying to help with some careless pap of "just keep pluggin' along...something good will happen".

That is just being lazy.