Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Confidence: Foundation for Success

I once interviewed a gentleman from the most prestigious school in Malaysia (IPTA/IPTS) for a any position. While his credentials were flawless, his answers were credible and his appearance was professional, he lacked something. He lacked the ability to convince me he was capable. After 3 interviews, I gave the job to an individual with fewer credentials than this seemly-accomplished candidate.
The former’s downfall was as follows:
· First, body language - the hunched over posture and hands between his knees, the facial innuendos when he answered the proposed questions and the way he seldom looked at me when speaking. The conflicting messages between what came from his mouth, and what his body showed were clearly beyond any cultural difference.
· Second, the tone of his voice - the drawn-out pauses and the yielding softness of uncertainty, the lack of conviction or passion for his accomplishments or his future, and the deficit of assertiveness in his pitch. The signs all pointed in one direction. All his credentials and fancy clothes could not make up for the most fundamental quality a senior employee must have - confidence.
How can anyone have confidence in a person who does not have confidence in himself? Think About this question.

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