Quality People

I did some training on performance management and development recently and was asked what kind of qualities we as leaders should be looking for in people we want to attract, recruit, develop and retain. Four qualities come to mind immediately. The first is character. By character I mean ethical values that manifest themselves in behaviour. The second is talent. By talent I mean attitude and capability. The third is engagement. By engagement I mean passion and commitment. The fourth is fit. By fit I mean fit with desired role and culture. In my experience, it's a combination of these critical qualities that makes all the difference. Modelling them as leaders is critical too. If we practice what we preach, or at least try to do so with genuine openness and humility, we will inspire those same qualities in those whom we lead.