Intangibles.
There are some things that can be taught and that can be learned.
*Intangibles are not one of them. You either have them or you don't. They are an outward, core component of who you are. They are a phenotypical expression (to coin a phrase from genetic science, something I studied) of your personality.*
In my career, handling the plethora of responsibilities I have been charged and asked to handle-- especially in the HR space-- I have turned down candidates who were equally or more qualified because someone just had *it*. *It* being the very immaterial fibre of who they are. Good intangibles equate to a number of instrinsically crucial facets needed for the survival and health of an organisation. What bricks are to edifices, are what these personal, individual qualities are to the collective realm of the professional domain. They are the very building blocks of how, who, when and what grows in the business environment; and when inevitably faced with obstacles, interruptions, and challenges-- how these challenges are ultimately dealt with. As a consequence and result, when faced with a mountain to climb in troubled times as an enterprise, you will begin to see what separates the wheat from the chaff both as in an introspective and extrospective manner. Intangibles build culture, build identities, and companies.
These are the intangibles I have and have developed in my path:
1. Leadership:
- Vision: The ability to articulate and inspire others with a compelling vision for the future.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate through change and uncertainty.
- Empathy: Understanding and connecting with team members on a personal level.
- Decisiveness: Making informed decisions in a timely manner.
- Courage: Willingness to take risks and stand up for what is right.
- Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining composure under pressure.
2. Role Model:
- Integrity: Consistently demonstrating honesty and ethical behaviour.
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and decisions.
- Humility: Acknowledging mistakes and learning from them.
- Empowerment: Encouraging and uplifting others to reach their potential.
- Authenticity: Being true to oneself and transparent in actions.
3. Executive:
- Strategic Thinking: The ability to think long-term and align actions with organizational goals.
- Negotiation Skills: Effectively navigating agreements and conflicts.
- Political Savvy: Understanding organizational dynamics and building alliances.
- Innovative Mindset: Encouraging and embracing new ideas and approaches.
- Global Perspective: Considering the broader impact and opportunities beyond immediate concerns.
4. Entrepreneurship:
- Risk Tolerance: Willingness to take calculated risks for potential rewards.
- Persistence: Overcoming obstacles and setbacks without giving up.
- Networking Skills: Building and maintaining valuable professional connections.
- Visionary Thinking: Identifying opportunities and trends before they become mainstream.
- Resilience: Handling failures and setbacks with determination.
5. Research Scientist/Engineer Mentality:
- Curiosity: A natural inclination to explore and understand the unknown.
- Analytical Skills: The ability to critically analyse data and draw meaningful conclusions.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring precision and accuracy in research and experimentation.
- Innovation: Thinking creatively to solve complex problems.
- Collaboration: Working effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
6. Soldier (Military):
- Discipline: Following orders and maintaining a high level of physical and mental discipline.
- Loyalty: Fostering a deep sense of commitment to the unit and mission.
- Adaptability: Quickly adjusting to changing combat situations.
- Leadership: Leading by example and inspiring confidence in others.
- Stress Management: Effectively managing stress in high-pressure combat situations.
- Physical Fitness: Maintaining peak physical condition for demanding tasks.
- Courage Under Fire: Remaining calm and focused in high-pressure situations.
- Teamwork: Collaborating seamlessly with fellow soldiers.
- Commitment to Training and Excellence: Dedication to constant improvement and always setting a high standard of excellence.