FEBRUARY 15 • TRUE LEADERSHIP
You Don’t Get Who You Want, You Get Who You Are!
Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. John 7:24
This is a great maxim for hiring and for surrounding yourself with the right people (note: being like you doesn’t mean they are the right people). Like it or not, you attract people who are like you. People notice how you act and are either attracted to or repelled by that. Typically, if they are like you they are attracted to you, want to work with you, and have a positive disposition to you. If they don’t like how you act, they don’t want to be with you. Similarly, if they act like you do, you typically want them around. This is especially true with volunteers. You’ve heard opposites attract? That’s typically only in love relationships. In friendship and other relationships, similarities attract.
So how do you prevent this from happening to ensure you get the right type of person for the job/task? You guessed it! Build a system! This is where knowing human behavior, specifically personality (coming March 1), can really help. All else being equal, different jobs are performed better by certain personalities, e.g., Inspiring types usually don’t make good accountants or do jobs that require detail and minutia. Not that they can’t do it well, but it can take longer for them and typically they can’t focus long enough. But they are incredible in sales and adding energy to projects. On the opposite end, Conscientious personalities would rather drink acid than sell or meet with people all day long. Each has a specific nature. You can go against it, but it will cost you.
Bury your personality likes and dislikes. Unless the type personality you want there is your personality, don’t decide based on whether you like them (having said that, if they have a really bad disposition and your gut says Stay Away, don’t hire or connect). Some personalities are very outgoing, borderlining harsh and may seem strong. But they can accomplish extreme amounts and enjoy being in control. Just be careful where you put them. You need to learn how to assess personality so you can direct your thinking toward what is needed and who fits that need.
All-in-all, surround yourself with people who have character, skill, the personality for the position, and who can tell you when you’re wrong.
Pray: Lord, help me choose the right people to work with and lead well.
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