Top Employees “Think” and “Communicate”

You’ve probably heard the mantra, “Hire for Attitude, Train for Skills.” Of course, if it was that simple, it would be easy for business owners to hire employees.  What this mantra is really prescribing is that soft skills are absolutely essential.

Warren Buffet identifies 3 key criteria for success:

1) Intelligence (Critical thinking skills & Emotional intelligence)

2) High Energy (Initiative, Attitude)

3) High Integrity (Work Ethics)

Intelligence is more than just being book smart.  In my opinion, one of the most important success criteria is “critical thinking skills.”  The second is “communication skills.”

There is actually a trend within corporate America to hire more Liberal Arts majors and less MBAs.  Why?  Because liberal arts schools teach their students to think.

Communication skills are also very important.  This includes verbal, written, and even more important, the ability to understand other people’s behavior, motivators and communications styles.

If you can “think” and “communicate” effectively . . . you are extremely valuable to your employer.   Add a great outlook on life (attitude) and you can essentially write your own ticket in this world!