Natural talent vs. hard work: Which quality to look for in an employee?

The recruitment process is a critical component to the success of any business. The people you bring along on your journey to build your business case. One of the most controversial topics when talking about hiring is whether to prioritize hiring employees based on talent or work ethic. While talent and work ethic are both essential traits, ultimately which one to prioritize depends on your business’s goals, culture, and industry.

I’m sure you remember those people in school who never had to open a book or study for a test. They somehow always got it by glancing over their notes just before the teacher gave the test. They easily made Phi Beta Kappa in college, while others struggled to even earn honors. You may also remember those people, myself included, who had to study for everything. They will spend hours reviewing notes, making flashcards and memorizing every little thing before the exam. Any lack of preparation on their part must have reflected in their grades. Or, in their overall end product.

As a business leader, you’ve probably come across people who are naturally gifted in their field and can take on job roles very quickly. You may have encountered people who have had to work hard to get where they are. Which one would you like to hire for your company? Would you hire a person who would be able to get a job quickly? Or, do you want to hire someone who is determined and knows what it’s like to put in a lot of effort to get the job done?

So, which You should see the value Recruitment time? Here’s a look at those two different types of people and what their qualities can bring to your business and brand.

A naturally gifted person

Talent refers to a person’s natural ability to excel in a particular field or skill. For example, a software development company may prioritize hiring developers with a talent for coding. A sales organization may prioritize hiring salespeople with a natural talent for persuasion.

Many naturally gifted individuals do not miss a beat. They are not discouraged by new ventures and the learning curve is fairly high. They are able to catch up quickly and stay on top of their responsibilities without worrying too much about their understanding.

If you want to hire someone whose transcript is impressive with high grades and natural talent, be sure to understand their work ethic. This does not mean that you hire someone who is naturally talented without the ability to work hard. They couldn’t face anything they found challenging. While others studied for hours or spent countless days writing a paper, they used half the time and got the same or better grades.

The Hard Worker

Work ethic refers to a person’s attitude towards work, including their discipline, motivation and dedication to work. This is not to say that they lack intelligence, as much as the gifted lack effort. These individuals have a better understanding of what it’s like to face a challenging situation and give less than 100% effort. If they fail to prepare, essentially, they are preparing to fail.

Don’t sell someone short of their learning curve ability. Coming from personal experience, seeing people’s faith and patience in my work proved that I could get the job done. Even if it takes a little longer to finish.

Taking on a new job can be a little scary at first, but don’t underestimate them when it comes to the job. Facing challenges and overcoming new obstacles is nothing new for a hard worker. However, they have to have the patience and confidence to give them a chance to prove it.

Talent vs. work ethic: Differences when hiring

Before hiring an employeeIt is important to consider the pros and cons of hiring based on merit versus work ethic.

The advantage of merit-based hiring is that people with exceptional skills can contribute significantly to business goals. Talented employees can bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and help organizations stay competitive in the market.

When hiring based on merit, you may find that training your new employee goes a little more smoothly. Those who are talented in their field are quick to grasp new processes. They seem to use their intelligence to their advantage and apply it to their new role.

On the other hand, hiring based on work ethic means looking for candidates who are committed, reliable and willing to go the extra mile. Work ethic is especially important for positions that require consistent effort and attention to detail. For example, think of roles like administrative or customer service roles

The advantage of hiring based on work ethics is that it creates a positive and productive work environment. Employees with a strong work ethic are self-motivated, take ownership of their work, and prioritize delivering quality results. They have excellent communication and organizational skills because they recognize that those skills help get the job done.

While both talent and work ethic are essential attributes for any organization’s success, the decision to prioritize one over the other ultimately depends on the organization’s mission, culture, and industry.

For example, a startup developing a new product might prioritize hiring based on talent. This may be because the success of the product will largely depend on the skills and expertise of the team. In contrast, an established company that values ​​consistency and quality may prioritize hiring based on work ethic, as these traits are crucial to maintaining the company’s reputation.

Last thought

Although this is just a general set of traits, you may be able to find yourself leaning towards one type of person versus another. Both individuals have the ability to be an asset to your company. Where there is talent and hard work Qualities of a good employee, as a business leader, you need to decide what will offer the most to your brand and business market. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on either person. Because it only requires giving one the opportunity to prove that their abilities are a good fit for the job and your company.

Hiring managers should consider the candidate’s overall fit with the organization. This includes their values, personalities and long-term goals. A candidate with exceptional talent may not be a good fit for an organization with a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration.

Although a candidate with an excellent work ethic may not thrive in an environment that values ​​individual performance over team success. Decisions to prioritize talent or work ethic should not be made in isolation. Rather, you should consider multiple factors when getting to know someone. Whatever their strength.

This article was first published in May 2017 but has been updated and expanded

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Business Opportunities · Featured · Personal Development · Success · Your Mindset · Your Team

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Entrepreneurial Lifestyle · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Lead Your Team · Your Mindset