Todd Earwood

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What Are Your Top Three Traits?

November 12, 2009

threeWe successfully filled a tech position a month ago and looking back on that process, I now see what top traits we MUST have in any employee.  I know people talk about experience, education and training, but there’s more to sort through with quality candidates than what’s on the resume.

Since we’re now actively seeking sales pros right now (please forward to others), I figured I would post a few things I consider as non-negotiables.  (Hint: If those who are applying are smart, they’re search my name and find this blog, read this post and reference it in the interview.  Just sayin’.)

  1. Attitude – In a small any organization, attitude will affect others negatively.  Pessimism can’t be tolerated and let’s be honest, we prefer to spend time with happy people.  Getting excited about working with good people is infectious and I’m thrilled we have that in spades today.
  2. Resourceful – I may value this trait over all others.  To be able to “MacGyver” something with limited resources is critical for our business.  We have to solve problems that can’t just be searched on Google and sometimes with no budget for a customer.  It’s a tough thing, but keeping to look Learn to do things on your own and not wait on your co-worker to complete a task.
  3. Customer love – I’m not talking about being cordial or pleasant (that’s a given).  My friends, Deryl and Rusty share this sentiment with their company, DormBuys.  Both of our companies are committed to a level of customer service unmatched by others.  We both MUST have people who love serving others.  Not everyone wants to do this and I truly get that, but don’t apply with me.  For us, I’ve seen the challenge of some geeks love the tech toys, yet hate the users.  I’m happy to let those types stay in the ivory towers of corporate tech because small, nimble companies need and WANT the customer to be first.

I found even just this small list helpful as we filtered through too many resumes.  I recognize I haven’t covered things like integrity, morals or honesty, but I’d hope those are a given for any candidate.  So what are your top traits you seek out?  How do you stay true to those even when someone looks great on paper.  Please, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Todd Earwood

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  • In my work of consulting with business leaders to create
    "Champion Organizations" I have my clients focus on 5 Traits, the 5 Characteristics of a C.H.A.M.P.-
    C- Commitment to Excellence & contributing to something greater than themselves (customer service would be one example here);
    H - Humility - they must be open to learning and continual growth and development, as well as being open to feedback and coaching from others at all levels, including customers;
    A - Accountable - they must hold themselves accountable and be open to being held accountable to agreed upon measurable goals;
    M - Motivation - they must be self-motivated and a self-starter. They must not engage in procrastination beyond the level of just a distraction (there are 3 levels of procrastination I write about in my e-book, 1) distracting, 2) debilitating, 3) destructive). Any procrastination habit at the debilitating or destructive level will greatly impact the individual and organizations ability to achieve its objectives (free sample chapters and an exercise from my End Procrastination NOW! ebook available at www.EndProcrastinationNOW.com if this is an issue for anyone);
    P - Preparation - the individual must be prepared for their work, this means being impeccably punctual, planning their work each week, each day, prepare for sales presentations via researching the prospects they see, prepare for meetings they lead or are expected to participate in.

    Those are my 5-Habits of a CHAMP and what I encourage my clients to look for when hiring and when
    managing the performance of present team members.
  • Skip - I really dig the CHAMP acronym. Accountable is a great addition to our core list. Thanks for commenting.
  • We look for two things: 1) Smart 2) Gets things done.
  • Taylor - I love #2! If you don't have that, most of the others won't matter.
  • Todd,
    Thanks! Glad you liked my CHAMP acronym. My favorite out of the 5 is Humility. If a team member has healthy humility it allows the others to develop because they are open to feedback, personal and professional growth and are willing to try new things. They are also usually good team players.
    Skip
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