Let’s see what Lou Holtz says about Ability and Attitude.  Do his words lead to any implications for the way we might better manage our careers.  This is a series of posts that uses a quotation by a famous person to make a point about career management.  Take a moment to think about Lou Holtz’s quotation: perhaps his wisdom will rub off on the way you manage your career.

Lou Holtz said:

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

Proteus Career Management says:

“Interviewers choose interviewees based on their abilities.  At the interview they try to find out whether the candidate is self-motivated.  Eventually they hire someone with the right attitude.”

The lesson?

“Project the right attitude.”

Dr Mike Warren says:

“If you are in job search mode, remember that your experience, background and qualifications count for little unless you have the right attitude.

“Yes of course the interviewer wants to know from your experience, background and qualifications whether you can “do the job”.  However, they also want to know whether you have an attitude that will fit into the culture of the working environment.  They want to know from the interviewee’s attitude whether they will be comfortable with the values and the ethos of the company or organisation.

“If it is a two stage interview process these two aspects, Ability and Attitude, are sometimes assessed in separate interviews.  In general however, it is the attitude that has most influence over the interviewer’s decision.

“Proteus Consultancy has been helping people with their careers for more than 25 years.  During that time there have been numerous examples of clients who were offered a position even though they didn’t have quite the right ability – but they did have the right attitude.”

Our passion is helping you find your true career path

Centuries ago – according to Homer – Proteus guided Jason and his Argonauts towards their home as they tried to return from the Trojan Wars. The team at Proteus Consultancy is passionate about helping you find your true career path. Look at our sessions and programmes, or just get in touch to book your free career consultation.

You and Proteus – Protecting your Livelihood.