I am going to be talking about the #1 weapon of the contemporary executives - Knowledge.
There's a great quote I read a few days ago about this:
What the pupil must learn, if he learns anything at all, is that the world will do most of the work for you, provided you cooperate with it by identifying how it really works and aligning with those realities. If we do not let the world teach us, it teaches us a lesson - Joseph Tussman
When we were schooling, our teachers mentored us on how the world works. It's a real shame that once we are done with school, we stop learning. Instead, we occupy ourselves by watching TV, partying with friends, and let’s be honest - Facebook. LOADS of Facebook. (I am guilty too)
As a headhunter, I have to be very meticulous in selecting candidates for my clients (the MNCs engaging us to fill a position). Now, if I send a below-average list of 3 shortlisted candidates to my client, I'd look bad. And the client would probably never give my company a chance to bid for their requirements again. It was in my interest to consistently roll over only the highest quality candidates.
After interviewing MANY, you learn to ask the right questions to really understand in-depth about a candidate. I feel the single significant gauge of a candidate's potential is this:
Do you read books?
One of the most upbeat professional I ever interviewed was a Portfolio Manager. By 29, she was handling several hundred million $ in assets. At 32 she became the youngest partner in her firm's history.
Her secret to success? Books. Reading loads of books. Last year, she read over 30 books.
The consistent performers were the ones who invested whole-heartedly in enhancing their intellect.
Today's world is driven by knowledge. We cannot possibly develop if we don't arm ourselves with the right knowledge.
What's the best book you've ever read? It could be fiction or non-fiction. Just hit comment or email me digital@blake-dair.com. I read every comment/email.
