If you thought talent was the most important criteria to get ahead in the workplace, well think again. According to our latest employment poll, talent actually comes in a mere 7th and is endorsed by only 30% of employed adults as being “absolutely essential” for success in the workplace.
Six qualities beat out “talent” including:
- Honesty (60%)
- Hard work (53%)
- Intelligence (38%)
- Ambition (36%)
- Flexibility (36%)
- Experience (33%)
The good news here is that four of the top five traits listed (honesty, hard work, flexibility and ambition) are totally under our own control and suggest we can change today if we really want to. These traits are neither driven by genes nor personal relationships nor education nor anything outside of our own will-power and initiative.
So who needs Tony Robbins? Follow Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Seuss and …. dream big, work hard and tell the truth.
bbxadmin says
February 3, 2012 at 7:48 am“dream big, work hard and tell the truth”…AMEN!
Bob Gold says
February 3, 2012 at 10:30 amWhen speaking of talent….it would seem to be accurately considered a TRAIT when speaking about performers (actors, musicians, singers) however in the workplace isn’t TALENT truly a function of the other listed traits/attributes that allow an individual to perform at a given level?
kyle says
February 8, 2012 at 8:49 amthe scary part is the fact that 40 -50% of the respondents did not think that honesty and hard work are essential for success in the workplace. they can’t all be politicians, can they?