One Trait that is Highly Correlated with Growth
I get paid to help teams and businesses evaluate people they consider adding to their teams. Part of the process is pretty straightforward: mental tests, interviews, etc. Other parts are more unexpected and seemingly unimportant to the prospective additions to the team, but these are often where true colors come out and decisions are finalized.
Without giving too much of our process away, I will share a general example of how I evaluate character and the one trait that leads to continued growth.
How do you react when you meet someone dressed in a way you are not accustomed to or when they share an opinion that contradicts your viewpoint? Like most people, do you make assumptions about them and their character? Maybe even cast a wary or disapproving look their way?
Or are you someone who is intrigued by their style of dress or why they hold a differing opinion from yours? Perhaps you feel compelled to question them and try to understand why they dress in that manner or think the way that they do.
If you fall into the former category, that is not a deal breaker, but it is not what I am looking for and certainly will not help your chances of joining our team. If you are like the latter person in our example, you have helped your chances immensely.
The latter person exhibits the trait I have found to be correlated with growth and success. As you may have figured out already, that trait is curiosity. The former trait would be judgmental.
Neither of these traits is mutually exclusive, but we are looking for people who are more naturally curious than judgmental. When you are curious, you are predisposed to learning and growing. When you are judgmental, you are more inclined to be haughty and unable to learn from others (since they are beneath you).
Judgmental people tend to live in bubbles or echo chambers, preventing them from innovating, regardless of how hard they try. Curious people are more open and can learn from anyone or anything; thus, creativity and innovation come to them naturally in the course of their lives.
If you want your team or business to perform at its peak, you cannot fear making mistakes. Judgmental people are terrified of mistakes and, as a result, avoid trying anything new. Curious people know that they may fall on their faces, but those mistakes are what lead to learning and greater successes.
You can follow Sam on Twitter: @SuperTaoInc
