CHARACTER & ATTITUDE.

Having the right skills to complete the role or task is essential of course – but what’s more important, especially in a team or service environment is having the right character.

Here are a few key character traits that I think are important:

1. ENERGY – Do they have it and can they bring it – every day.
2. INTEGRITY – Paramount. Be honest at all times about all things.
3. EMPATHY – Being understanding of all those around you.
4. DIFFERENCE – Diverse backgrounds, interests, views and beliefs gives a team balance.
5. FOCUS – Having energy is great, but focus is a key component to harnessing that energy for good use.
6. REMARKABLE – What a great word. The definitive being “worthy of attention; striking” Enough said.
7. SECURE – Capable of admitting mistakes and being open and free with the credit of others.

Increasingly Universities are delivering high grade graduates who’s intelligence and ability cannot be faltered. Those graduates (like any brand, business or product) are going to have to try and find a ‘point-of-difference’ - something that sets them a part and makes them interesting. It’s the attitude and approach of those individuals that will set them a part. They have to communicate their energy, drive, integrity and application in order to stand out from the crowds and cut through the plethora of talent seeking new roles.

Energy can simply be the way that you stand from your chair to greet somebody with a firm and deliberate hand shake. Integrity might be displayed when you look up and thank the person that has brought you your water or coffee. Empathy is appreciating that your colleague with two young children on the school run might not be firing on all cylinders first thing in the morning. Being different makes you interesting – the bland and the beige are easily passed over. Focus can be displayed through listening carefully and answering (succinctly) the question you’ve been asked. Being remarkable could be a result of many things – it really doesn’t matter what it is that makes you remarkable – but being remarkable is good. And finally – being secure. This is the big one. You have to have the confidence to be able to admit what you do not know and in equal measure ask for help. Being secure will allow you to admit mistakes and take ownership of certain situations. Being secure will meant that you are open and free in the praise and credit of others without needing to seek credit for yourself.

These are my key character attributes for any operator at any level of business and service.