In listening to my clients describe what they are looking for in a candidate (for any job), they often use attributes like persistence, problem solving ability, confidence, the will to get things done, etc. What do you get when you wrap all these up into one?
Resourcefulness.
Resourcefulness is described in Webster’s dictionary as the ability to act effectively or imaginatively, especially in difficult situations. In “Top Grading” by Brad Smart, he calls resourcefulness the “mega-competency” and describes it as passionately figuring out how to get around, over or through any barriers to success.
Think about the most successful people you know. Can you think of one you wouldn’t consider resourceful? Me neither.
When I hired a Virtual Assistant the first time – I got lucky. I found one of the most resourceful people I’ve ever met. From day one, I would hand her a couple of tasks and she would find a way to accomplish what I needed – even when my information was less than complete or accurate.
I can count on one hand the number of times she has come to me truly stuck in trying to accomplish something. When that does happen, she always proposes a few options for me to consider. That one quality of hers above all others has made her indispensable to me and my business. And no, you can’t hire her!
Resourcefulness is considered a mega-competency because it’s a composite of many other competencies. Just to name a few – intelligence, analytical skills, creativity, pragmatism, calculated risk-taking, initiative, organization/planning, independence, adaptability, passion, tenacity, etc.
Remember too that resourcefulness is a quality you can test for in the interview process. Just email us at info@discwizardonline.com to get the details!
