The Power of Attitude
I’ve often been asked what makes a good employee.
Indeed, I’ve also asked what makes a good businessperson and what traits should I look out for.
Well, the answer is pretty straightforward.
As I said to one of my advisors, Josh, once, education and skills can be taught; attitude cannot.
In my line of work, learning how to do a job from the perspective of the job description, the tasks, and the training can be taught. The motivation behind this cannot.
An example:
I employed someone who showed all the signs of intelligence, a can-do attitude, an intelligent way of thinking, but they were constantly late to work. Missed appointments and generally didn’t take this seriously.
The opposite of my financial advisor friend who had all the hallmarks of being an excellent financial advisor company; this person just “didn’t get it”.
When it comes to a CV, what you see is mostly exaggerated BS and is a short-sighted approach to someone’s career. Spelling mistakes really do make a difference, so if you have a CV, make sure everything is spelled correctly!
However, as an employer, I look at more than the GCSE results. Maths and English are a must, but what else is there about this person?
I consider the CV the gateway to an interview, and the interview itself the opportunity to get to know the person (see my comments on the hourly rate for perspective here).
So, back to attitude.
I can safely say every single person I’ve given a job to, invested in, mentored, and so on has had one thing in common: an incredibly exuberant attitude.
Yes, it’s that simple. Education, skill, and knowledge can be taught; attitude cannot.
If you’re willing to learn and let ego go, already you have the starting blocks of a budding entrepreneur. Indeed, every successful business owner I’ve interacted with has a positive attitude.
Let me say this again. Attitude is everything.
I’ve known some to get a job with me without any qualifications at all, no experience, and no history of career progression. They’ve met me with an incredible attitude, and we’ve given them an opportunity which they’ve turned into a career.
So the power of attitude…
Whether it’s business or personal, go into every aspect with the best attitude you can. If you don’t, someone else will!