South Africa’s new parliament and the announcement of Ramaphosa’s cabinet are receiving much media attention. Other than a political agenda, ministers actually have a job to do and it reminded me of how important it is to find the right person for the job.
A lesson I learnt over the years is that you should appoint the best you can. There really is no time for ego when you want to be a success. You might be the boss, but I think it is wonderful when an employee challenges you in their particular field. They should be the expert in their department. In this way, brands and businesses don’t stagnate, they stay dynamic and relevant and then, innovation enters the playing field.
But the most important thing is attitude. An article on Forbes shares how attitude is more important than IQ. How a can-do attitude can have much more effect than intellectual ability on its own. Attitude is a mindset. It is the ability to embrace change and growth. For me, attitude is about more than performing in your job, it is about almost everything else.
A positive attitude brings commitment, a sense of responsibility and interest, it brings good relationships and in a world where loyalty is a disappearing trait, it brings even that. A good attitude overrides prejudice of all kinds. A Millennial might have a different opinion, but if the attitude is one of interest and involvement, you have a winner. A positive attitude can overcome language and cultural barriers and it is a definite asset in a country with our type of diversity.
Attitude is almost like the X-factor. Hard to define, but it makes all the difference. I want employees with attitude and I think South Africa needs people with attitude. Of course, we need people who are confident in their skill and knowledge, but it is the energy and interest that really impress me.
Perhaps attitude is also what we need in parliament. I am not talking about the attitude that comes with the “point of order” and “honourable member” circus. An attitude of believing in what you do, making a difference and being involved. Such an attitude is born from caring when it comes to people and commitment when it comes to a job.
A negative stance can be very contagious, but a positive attitude can inspire a team. And we all know, you are only as strong as your team.
It is not always easy to be positive when you consider the corruption in government and the effect it has on our economy and socio-economic environment. Despite such pessimism, I want to believe that for some it is about more than the perks and the salary and rather about the role they have to play in our country. There is no denying that we need people who are qualified and experienced, but more than that, whether it comes from the top or rise from the bottom, we need a positive attitude – in our jobs, in our personal environment and, especially, in running the country.