All things equal…personality wins!

Posted: February 25, 2014 | Categories: Leadership, Management, Sales, Team Building

I was attending a workshop in the early 1980’s at a hospitality convention and the subject was, “Hiring the right people”.  The charismatic facilitator had us all deeply engaged.  Just at the magic time, he asked, “What is the most important characteristic to look for when hiring someone to work at the front desk?”  We all poked around with our answers.  When we didn’t guess it, he revealed what he believed to be the answer:  “Personality”

Personality wins.  If the position we are filling requires any interaction with others, we need to hire likable people.  Here are some names for you:  Arnold Palmer, Oprah Winfrey, Jack Welch, Billy Graham, and Yogi Berra.  They have all achieved great success in their field, and they all know how to project their personality.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles appearing on Ed Sullivan.  As most of us Beatles fans know, Ringo was not the original drummer.  It was Pete Best.  Even though Pete was a superb drummer, he was fired by group leader John Lennon.  When asked why, John Lennon replied, “He’s got no spark!”.  Personality opens doors, engages, and sells.  Personality builds credibility, rapport and momentum.

Here is the good news about personality:  We’ve all got one.  Actor/economist Ben Stein has made a living off having a deadpan personality.  So has comedian Bob Newhart.  What ever our personality, let’s have fun with it.  Let’s also remember that a personality is only of great value when built on character and integrity

One more thing about our personality:  We can make someone’s day.  I remember I was at a fundraiser one time, and won a fishing rod and a loaf of French bread.  Confident I would not meet anyone along the way, I decided to walk home.  An elderly lady was passing me on the sidewalk.  She stopped and said, “Well, if you don’t catch any fish, at least you will have something to eat!”  That made my day, and I am still laughing.  She took the risk to show her personality and brighten someone’s day.  We can do the same.  Personality sells!

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