Been thinking about what I see in people lately. Some folks rapidly achieve high levels of fame and fortune, then crash and burn because they don’t have the capacity to deal with it. Others, in obscurity, just get it done.
What should you look for in an employee, a friend, or a spouse?
Here’s a hint: pay the most attention to “raw material.”
What I mean is, put most of your value on who the person is. Skills can be acquired. Knowledge taught. Experience gained. However, the raw material of a faithful, productive, growing soul is, generally speaking, either there…or not.
You want smart and practical. Diligent and balanced. Responsible and fun. You want proven character and self-control. You want transparency and a capacity for selflessness. Not all of it will be in full flower, of course, but you need to at least see the seeds and the buds. The raw material.
A job offer or a wedding ring will not impart character. Force of will and good intentions rarely re-build a faulty foundation, even for the most gifted.
In the horserace between dazzling talent and steady faithfulness, I’ll put my money on the latter every time. If the raw material is there, you can refine it. If it’s not, you’ll have nothing to build on.
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Twitter: @swoodruff
LOVE THIS!! I sent it to Jessica who is presently very interested in a new relationship. She had much thoughtful insight about it and how it related to her new beau.
THanks Steve! We always want our children think deeper about life.