Slacker Manager

Ability, motivation, or attitude? What have you got?

by Bren on August 25th, 2006

(This post written by Phil Gerbyshak)

I am a collector of quotes. I use them to re-focus me when I invariably fall away from my goals and what I should be focusing on, and they remind me to get back on track. Given the fact that Bren has so kindly opened up his Slacker Manager home to all of us, I thought this quote was a great fit for the topic of management and business. The emphasis in the quote is from me.
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” - Raymond Chandler

When I play the role of hiring manager, here’s how I use this quote to my advantage:
I let HR search for the ability because if they don’t have this, applicants don’t get in the door.
I let the candidate display their motivation to me, because if they’re not motivated enough to wear a suit, take off all the dry cleaning tags, shine their shoes, have a copy of their resume, and overall just be completely prepared for the interview, they won’t get much of my time and definitely won’t get the job.

I always end my interviews by asking candidate tough questions that they don’t know the answer to, not because I care what the answer is, but because I want to see their attitude when faced with the unknown, especially without warning. I see how much they’re able to think about the question posed, what questions they ask me back, and if they can remain calm and smiling, even in the face of what, to the candidate, seems like a right or wrong question.

And thus far, I have hired some amazing people that do some amazing things.

This lesson reminds me that it’s important for ME to focus on MY attitude as well, not only in interview times, but EVERY DAY because this is the wind in my sails that will set me apart from the rest.

I encourage you to do the same, and make it a GREAT day, today, and every day, by starting with a positive attitude, and letting the rest of life come to you.
Phil Gerbyshak

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