Can do, will do

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Lou Holtz

During the course of interviewing CEO’s who have built successful organizations a consistent key to their success is—we strive to hire the “right” people.   Can Do or the persons skills and abilities are a given what determine if they are the “right” people for their organization is the Will Do (motivations and attitudes). Surprisingly the list of what the “right” people believe and practice is very consistent across the CEO’s we have interviewed. Their organizations’ seek to hire employees who are:

  • Ethical
  • Respectful of others
  • Do what they say they will do
  • Fully engaged
  • Flexible
  • Think in terms of solutions versus problems

We are convinced that there will always be jobs, even in tough times, for those who practice and live these six Will Do qualities. If these qualities define you the question is do you relate them during your job interviews? Unfortunately many employers are not skillful interviewers so waiting for them to ask about your personal qualities is not the best route—be forthright and communicate what type of employee you are. Every prospect the employer is interviewing has the minimum Can Do qualifications what will set you apart from the pack is your Will Do. Have stories or situations you can describe that show others that these are your motivations and attitudes as an employee.