Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, said it best in his LinkedIn column, “The first thing to look for when searching for a great employee is somebody with a personality that fits with your company culture. Most skills can be learned, but it is difficult to train people on their personality. If you can find people who are fun, friendly, caring and love helping others, you are on to a winner.”
Branson got it right. It may be important to find someone with a certain set of skills, but some personality traits take longer to learn. Finding a group of genuine employees is key to a successful work environment.
According to Merriam Webster the full definition of genuine is:
a: actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character
b: actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author
c: sincerely and honestly felt or experienced
Be True
Being a genuine person shines high above the rest and is the most coveted trait that a person can exhibit. This has been true for centuries. Working with a room full of genuine people is far more beneficial than working alongside a team of people with a good sense of humor — humor is a great trait though, too. “The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one's appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship,” Amelia Earhart.
Being genuine brings you down to earth. People who are genuine have a better understanding and compassion for others. They are the people who understand and will know when to jump in to help someone in the office if someone else is out sick, or if others on the team just need some extra help to get a project done. Genuine people act without hesitation. They are great team players — no matter the occasion.
Mark Twain said it best when he said, “All emotion is involuntary when genuine.” These few words say a lot about those who are genuine. People who are genuine do not need to be asked to do something. They are the people who take out the trash without being assigned clean up duty. They are the ones coming in early and working late to get an extra job done. They are not looking for reward or recognition. As a leader in an organization, be sure that you personally thank people who are genuine, while they don’t expect it — a little appreciation goes a long way.
These two historical figures, Twain and Earhart, have helped and encouraged us for generations. Yet, being genuine is something that is still being recognized. “I feel like when I try to fit in, it comes across as not genuine, and that is not good. I'd rather just do me and have people say, 'Oh. That's interesting,' than try to fit in,” Ariana Grande. This young ponytail pop star hit being genuine right on the head. It is about being you. Genuineness is not something that is able to be taught. It is about being you.
When you are searching and hunting for new employees look for those that show characteristics of being genuine. Your office will be well rounded. You will know that you can trust every employee. Your employees will help one another. And you will know exactly who each person in your office really is. Genuine employees are the best employees.
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