Becoming “irresistible” talent in 2024

First things first; the word irresistible can be replaced with the word desirable or fascinating. How can you become talent that stands out in a crowd? Employers are not looking to recruit ordinary talent anymore. They will certainly not promote ordinary talent to positions of significance in the business. There are qualities they look for that make it difficult for them to ignore you. What exactly do they want? Well, here are my top 7.

1.?Start what you plan and finish what you start – If you are that individual who may be organized in planning your activities but never starting them or are very disorganized hoping from one project to the next without finishing, employers will not see value in you. As the adage goes “talk is cheap, that is why many can afford it”. Shed off this weight in 2024 year and go the distance. I am a firm believer in never leaving until tomorrow what can actually be done today.

2.?Be visible and vocal – This does not mean just being a busy body that rudely questions everything. It is about active participation. There are people who hide behind being introverts to the point of not contributing to discussions. A brainstorming session will be started which gives everyone an opportunity to add value. If you are perpetually quiet, your profile will not rise in irresistibleness. Become and contributor of what can be than a mere by-stander and consumer of what already is.

3.?Deliver excellence consistently – People who show up and deliver on their assignments with excellence will remain top of mind when opportunity for promotion comes. Yes, you may be that introvert we spoke about earlier but at least let your work do the talking for you. Can you be counted on to bring value. A paycheck is a by-product of sufficient value you bring to the table of endeavour. There was a time in my corporate life when I lived and benefited from this nugget. I was working for an Anglo American Corporation subsidiary. All I had was a Diploma before I furthered my studies. Through consistent delivery I was promoted twice in 3 years for one reason only; excellence in delivery. Degrees are good; but they are not good enough if they do not result in performance.

4.?Stay current and relevant– We live in a fast-paced world. It is easy to be obsolete if you rest on last year’s wisdom. Most businesses are embracing innovation as a key pillar for organizational strength and progress. When colleagues debate on “The role of artificial intelligence in transforming businesses” you cannot be blank about it. Do some research in your field on latest trends affecting or impacting jobs and the industry. Your conversation is determined by what you put into your mind. You can not get out what you did not put in. In 2024, go back to a habit of reading widely. Some go as far as saying one book a week. If that's hard try one book a month meaning 12 books that can transform your worldview and your level of impact in this generation.

5.?Shun toxicity – it is sad that sometimes it takes a while to realise that you are toxic. It is worse if colleagues or your supervisors do not bring the issue to your knowledge. When you refuse to be a team player, constantly back-biting and bad mouthing your colleagues and employer or you always take credit for other people’s work then you discredit yourself from significance. Be friendly with colleagues, offer help where needed, be courteous to create the freshness necessary to make it easy to work with you. When employers check your work history they sometimes ask direct questions on your personality and level of toxicity if any.

6. Take the lead when opportunity arises – employers are looking for leaders. Many times, there are enough technocrats or individuals with sound knowledge of how things are done and very few people with an understanding of why things are done in a certain way. Leaders offer solutions, they do not run away when problems appear. My mentor used to tell me “If you can solve problems, you can never run out of money”. Well, let me add that someone who solves problems becomes irresistible to employers in terms of rewards, recognition or even chances of being hired. In the words of Strive Masiyiwa , a celebrated global investor, “run towards challenges not away from them”. I have personally embraced these words and have seen them work in my life. I have this unwavering desire to solve problems around me. Most of those result in business ideas while others are directly in line with my purpose; "to build leaders constantly, to make the lives of others better while leaving indelible marks that benefit present and future generations".

7.?Honesty will take you places – What benefit is there for you to be a top flier who adds a lot of value but having a shady character that lacks honesty and integrity. Employers will not hesitate to release top talent that can spoil the reputation of a business. Your skill can help you to secure a job. You need an additional layer called character to sustain your growth. How much do you steal from your employer? You probably just said “not me”. It starts with the little things; doing your private work using company resources during working hours. Coming in late every day and not compensating for hours being lost and the list goes on. Lies cannot sustain a career. They always catch up with you and the impact rarely positive.

In 2024, realise that success is about deliberately working towards it with greater focus. Hard work, perseverance and being deliberate about your actions will pay off. Also add some of the points above and become the irresistible magnet.