Over the last week, I had the privilege of inducting two new employees into two very different companies. These individuals were at different levels in their careers and industries, yet from the moment I met them, I knew they were the perfect fit. What struck me immediately was how they presented themselves—their attitudes, their dress, and how seamlessly they aligned with the company culture and image.
I’ve always maintained that attitude is the most critical factor in recruitment. While a certain level of skill and knowledge is essential, these can be taught and developed over time. What cannot be easily cultivated is the right attitude. If a candidate’s attitude aligns with the company’s values and culture, they are far more likely to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the team.
In contrast, even the most knowledgeable and technically skilled candidate can struggle if their attitude doesn’t mesh with the company’s ethos. This mismatch often leads to frustration and, ultimately, to failure.
Both companies that I’ve recently worked with have experienced the consequences of getting this balance wrong in the past. They’ve had employees whose skills on paper looked impeccable, but the fit just wasn’t there. This time, however, I am excited for both companies because I believe they’ve found the right people—those with the right attitude, which will make all the difference.