What I Look For In A Team Member: (1) Self-Leadership and (2) Thinking of Others

I love recruiting

Getting good people in good organizations . . . nothing beats it.

But it takes time to know what you are really looking for. Our team (and many others) have found two dispositions to be essential.

Both were made clear in the Wyoming wilderness–awhile ago and recently.

Then–six years ago–I visited Wyoming Catholic College (WCC) looking for ideas about work and schools. I was struck by how many students had self-leadership in spades (and why it would be a good idea to go to Confession before rappelling down a 100-foot cliff).

Now–two of my sons just finished the freshman 21-day hike at WCC: one was a freshman and another a trip leader. We debriefed a bit this last weekend about the Outdoor Leadership Program.

There is a daily reflection/debrief on performance in community: pain, camaraderie, accountability, accomplishment, failure, feedback–geared towards growth in self-leadership and awareness of others.

So when you are hiring, be sure (a) self-leadership and (b) thinking of others–for the common good–are at the top of your profile.

If you are looking to grow in your current work and for the next job or promotion, make a plan with others (friends, accountability partners, personal advisory boards, team members) on how you can grow in these areas.

What is Self-Leadership? In emotional intelligence parlance, it is self-management. It’s harmony in the habits of prudence,  pro-activeness, and preparation for the future.

What is Thinking-of-Others? In a work community, it is our obligation to our clients and team: meeting deadlines and standards, proactive communication, etc.

In Christianity, those who think of others are saints. In work, they are team players.

Cordially,