Identifying Potential in People
The X-factor – identifying potential in people.
Have you ever watched an episode of the X-Factor or America’s got Talent where a judge instantly recognises talent and untapped potential in a contestant, pushes the golden buzzer and fast tracks them to the live shows? What inspires a judge to hit the golden buzzer?
That unexplained feeling of “here is someone I want to work with who can add value to my business” is due to something you have recognised in them, and an intuitive connection with them, that has potential to develop into a high value working relationship. In my experience the stronger your instinct or intuition the more x-factor a person has and, for me, that’s the talent and untapped potential a person brings. If it’s instantly clear to you, you’d better hit your golden buzzer because they have the potential your business needs.
Talent shows are exciting as many contestants have little or no experience however you never know when you’re about to witness the next musical mega-stars debut performance. Interviewing someone for a job in your business can provide the same experience. An individual may have the right skills and experience to fill a role but having talent and potential offers something more. Skills and experience are reasonably simple to identify, and business owners often fall back on these when they do not see the hidden potential on offer. Once found however, that potential is easy to fill with experience and it’s really satisfying to appoint that “wild card” and for it to prove an insightful appointment.
Imagine what your business could achieve if you’re able to successfully identify people with an x-factor! To help identify hidden potential:
Look for a balance of IQ and EQ. Getting the IQ right for the job is important. However balancing this with EQ is critical. Is the person able to listen well and articulate what they need to say? Can they manage their thoughts and emotions effectively and do they show good self-awareness as indicators of EQ? It takes self-awareness, self-management and ownership of one’s actions to keep an ego in check. People with a balance of IQ and EQ are higher achieving, more flexible, more innovative, better listeners, better problem solvers and able to learn from their mistakes more effectively.
Consider their value alignment. For me, a person needs to have values of authenticity, integrity and humility. Someone who is authentic can build high trust relationships measured by passion and commitment for what they say and do. Integrity is high when a person is honest and guided by strong moral principles. People with high integrity don’t covert power as they know they are good at what they do. Humility is the art of being humble and thinking of others before themselves, essential in building trust. You’ll need to be clear on your own values and have a good understanding of the personal attributes that show alignment.
While looking for skills and experience, trust your instinct and intuition if someone with talent and potential walks into your interview, the value this can bring to your business is worth it!
