PEr Chronicles: Why skills aren't enough

Job hugging is on the rise – and it isn’t loyalty. Workers are “hugging” — clinging to their jobs because hiring has slowed and uncertainty makes change feel risky. Low attrition doesn’t mean high engagement. Quiet cracking is a persistent feeling of unhappiness, underappreciation and overworked — not resigning but silently struggling, like ducks calm above water yet paddling frantically below.

When I hire, I look for A.S.K. — Attitude, Skills, Knowledge. Attitude always comes first. I’ll trade lack of experience or knowledge for truly dynamic attitude every time.

Someone can help you become what you are not, but no one can make you something you are not. With the right attitude, your talent and skills are multiplied exponentially.

While many people are capable, only some become true impact players. Leaders trust them with high-profile work, peers respect their influence and everyone sees the value they bring.

I have been privileged to work with many of these superstars whose positivity lifted teams. Yet I’ve also seen equally talented people play below their potential. You might even have found yourself in one of these positions.

A great attitude is inseparable from enthusiasm. When you view your best people over time, it’s the ones who display genuine energy, spirit and passion who not only performs best, but also rise fastest.

My background is sales – though it was the last thing I wanted to do. I had no natural gift for it. I didn’t have the patience. And I am no natural-born silver-tongued smooth-talker. But over time, sales did something ironic: it changed my life.

In the course of that experience, I came to a sobering realization. Knowing what-do-do and how-to-do isn’t enough - it’s the attitude behind the actions that makes them stick.

When you check your birth certificate, I can promise you that you will not find “great attitude” or “negative attitude” listed anywhere in it. They’re choices you create by how you see life.

“Aha, so all I need is an attitude adjustment?” Unfortunately, no – it’s not that simple.

Here’s the problem. Reading an inspiring story or your best friend giving you a pep talk can spark motivation – but emotions change like the wind. Today, you’re excited about getting fit and feel like doing 20 minutes on the treadmill. Tomorrow you may not.

There are two types of attitudes. A value-driven attitude says “How can I help you?” An entitled attitude says “What have you done for me lately?” One works harder and earns more. The other waits for more before working harder.

Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do.