"What? Did you not say you got toe Std. 7? "
"Yes, I did. But I cannot read".
He went through more than 6 years of primary school and never learnt how to read. Still he was eager to take the job. It was difficult to turn down his enthusiasm.
3 years down the line, he is still going strong, started several projects on the farm he takes care of, looks after his family, and has built himself a hut. He is thriving and a bonus to his employer.
In another scene, a young girl chews gum as she flips the pages of a newspaper. It is a few minutes to lunch and she is killing them so that no one accuses her of skiving.
"Excuse me; I will need you after lunch".
"To do what?" She counters
"Just show up at my desk at 2".
Come 2.30 she has not pitched. A check with HR reveals she is a recent graduate. Upper second class honours, no less. She also has an impressive academic record before that.
"Can I have a different intern?"
And in a few days, no one wants to work with the intern. She has to leave.
When hiring for your business you will need to determine carefully what kind of person you need. To do this, you need to have a good understanding, or vision of what you expect the person to achieve, even if you do not have formal job descriptions.
The man in the first scenario was bubbling with attitude, despite his lack of schooling, and, as his employer later learnt, skills.
The lady had impressive academic credentials, suggesting great knowledge and skills. Her attitude, another story.
Good employees need a mix of skills, knowledge attitude and values. It is up to you to determine the weighting of each, and the tradeoffs, if need be.
It is easier to teach a skill, than to change attitudes, or values, but you may not have the skills required to teach someone, or the time, even if they have a fantastic attitude.
If you would like me to speak to your chama book here.
