Attitude over Aptitude??
I think Resumes lie. Credentials don't tell the whole story. The best team members aren't always the ones with the most impressive titles or degrees.
A few years back, I worked with someone who defied traditional hiring metrics. On paper, they were unremarkable. But in practice? They were transformative. When challenges emerged, they didn't complain—they collaborated. They asked questions without ego, sought solutions without blame, and brought an infectious energy that elevated everyone around them.
They weren't just a colleague. They were the type of person you'd want leading your team.
Beyond Aptitude: The Attitude Advantage
Some of the world's most innovative companies have cracked this code. Netflix calls it the "Keeper Test": Would you fight to keep this person if they were leaving tomorrow? The question isn't about technical skills, but about that intangible quality that makes a team truly exceptional.
Take Southwest Airlines. Herb Kelleher, its legendary co-founder, had a simple hiring philosophy: "We hire for attitude and train for skill." When teamwork and customer service are your lifeblood, you need people who can navigate pressure with grace and humor.
Similarly, companies like Google prioritize "learning ability" over existing knowledge. They understand that skills can be taught, but attitude is fundamental.
The Universal Power of Attitude
This principle transcends business. Consider Tom Brady—the 199th pick in the 2000 NFL draft. He wasn't the most naturally talented quarterback, but his work ethic, resilience, and leadership transformed him into a legend.
The All Blacks rugby team codified this with their "No Dickhead Policy"—understanding that one toxic personality can undermine an entire team's potential.
The Hidden Challenge
Here's the uncomfortable truth: It's easier to measure competence than character. In a world obsessed with degrees and experience, identifying the right attitude requires deliberate, systemic effort.
We've mistakenly glorified "brilliant jerks" as visionaries, failing to recognize that true innovation comes from collaborative, empathetic team players.
The Ripple Effect
Attitude is contagious. Optimism, resilience, and genuine curiosity don't just improve individual performance—they transform entire organizational cultures. They create environments where people don't just work together, but root for each other's success.
The Bottom Line
Aptitude is what we train for, but attitude is what makes excellence possible. It's the difference between a team that survives and a team that thrives.
I'll always bet on attitude. Wouldn't you?