"To him that will, ways are not wanting."
In today's ever-evolving business landscape, recruitment processes have traditionally placed significant emphasis on the skills and experience of candidates.
However, through my years in business, recruiting talents to help me run transformation programs and deliver cost-cutting projects, I have come to realize that what truly matters most is not the person's skills, knowledge, or even experience…
(Yes, you heard me right… Although skills, knowledge, and experience are indeed useful, they are of secondary importance.)
I found what truly matters most is the person's unwavering determination to succeed. (Let's call it a strong will. In the Far East, people call it the will of blazing fire.)
In this post, I'll try to convince you of the importance of a strong will in business and why it should be a focal point in recruitment.
The Power of Will to Succeed
A businessperson with an indomitable will to succeed possesses a unique ability to propel a task/project towards success, overcoming obstacles with relentless determination.
While individuals with skills may understand what needs to be done, they often falter in the face of adversity, resorting to escalations rather than proactive problem-solving.
(As a CEO, you must have lost count of how often people come to you with problems but without solutions, e.g., "Mr. X, our biggest customer, has just called us and said he is terminating the contract. What should we do now?")
Conversely, those with a strong will confront obstacles head-on, exploring every avenue to resolve issues.
They don't accept failure; instead, they find solutions, build alliances, amass political support, persuade stakeholders, and navigate challenges creatively.
Their tenacity knows no bounds, allowing them to break through barriers or, when impossible, find ways around them.
This unwavering determination is akin to a driving force, pushing them to not only meet their business goals but to exceed them.
(They may come to you with this: "Mr. X, our biggest customer, called us to terminate the contract. So, I visited him and managed to strike a new deal with him. The new deal will see a 5% lower prices, but with double volume. Given our 50% profit margin, this means our profit from his company will jump from $50m to $95m. I have prepared and run the draft contract through our Legal and Finance team… They are okay with it. It will be great if you can review and sign it.”)
Furthermore, it fuels their resilience in the face of setbacks, enabling them to inspire their teams to persevere and innovate.
Thus, the people with strong will are relentless in their pursuit of success, and they serve as beacons of inspiration for the entire organization.
Will Versus Skill: Which One is More Important?
One might argue that skills and experience are indispensable in business.
However, individuals with a formidable will to succeed can compensate for their lack of specific skills through sheer determination and adaptability.
Their unwavering commitment drives them to acquire new skills and knowledge on the fly, making them incredibly versatile and resourceful.
These individuals learn while delivering tasks and achieving goals. For them, challenges and problems are merely opportunities to expand their skill set and knowledge base.
People with experience might freeze when faced with unknown new things.
But people with strong will thrive in dynamic environments because they can quickly adapt to changing circumstances, a quality that is increasingly valuable in today's fast-paced business world.
Furthermore, the power of determination extends beyond an individual's abilities; it influences the entire team and project ecosystem.
A business person with unwavering willpower sets the tone for the team, instilling a culture of resilience and proactive problem-solving.
Their determination becomes contagious, motivating others to rise above challenges and strive for excellence.
People with Strong Will: CEOs' Most Valuable Asset
For CEOs and organizational leaders, the presence of individuals with an unyielding will to succeed is a game-changer.
Even having just one such individual on your team can lead to remarkable achievements.
When you assemble a group of ten, your organization can ascend to the top of the industry.
With a hundred, you can revolutionize entire sectors and change the world.
Regrettably, these exceptional individuals are rare and challenging to find.
When you do find them, it becomes imperative to keep them close, nurture their talents, and provide an environment conducive to their growth.
In an era where adaptability and resilience are critical, these determined leaders are the driving force behind organizational success.
Their ability to inspire, innovate, and navigate complex challenges elevates the entire organization to new heights.
Identifying People with Strong Will to Succeed
Recognizing individuals with a strong will to succeed can be challenging, but there are three telltale signs.
One of the most convincing indicators is a proven track record of success in their previous endeavors.
These individuals consistently deliver results, regardless of the challenges they face.
They have a history of problem-solving, leadership, and a knack for achieving goals.
Second, in addition to their track record, look for candidates who demonstrate a growth mindset—a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
These individuals are more likely to persevere in the face of adversity and actively seek opportunities to learn and improve.
Third, pay attention to their relationship-building ability.
Determined people excel in building relationships and fostering collaboration.
This is because, in order to succeed, they understand the importance of rallying a team and creating a supportive network, all while maintaining a laser focus on the end goal.
In light of this, it is essential for recruitment processes to place greater importance on a candidate's track record of success, their growth mindset, and their ability to build relationships, rather than focusing solely on their skill set and experience.
New Way of Recruitment?
In conclusion, the traditional approach of prioritizing skills and experience in recruitment falls short when it comes to identifying individuals who can drive breakthrough performance improvement and ensure project success.
While skills, knowledge, and experience are undoubtedly valuable, they must be complemented by an unwavering determination to succeed.
Individuals with this powerful trait are the ones who don't just manage tasks; they lead themselves, their team, and their projects to triumph.
They are the linchpin for achieving exceptional results and propelling organizations to new heights.
This is why I see the determination to succeed as an indispensable asset in the world of business, and it should rightfully take its place alongside skills and experience in the recruitment process.
Embracing this perspective can be the key to unlocking the full potential of your organization and paving the way for a brighter, more successful future.
"Where there's a Will, there's a Way."
So, do you agree with my view? Let me know.
Check my blog here.
Comments