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You Get To Hire The Next President Of The United States

by Darlene McDaniel on November 4th, 2007

If you get to hire the next President of the United States, I believe like a hiring manager, you should be looking for specific skills and abilities from the candidates. Their life experience and vocation should definitely be a major part of your consideration. But there are two other qualities I believe are underrated in the evaluation of our candidates for this extremely important job opportunity. The quest to be the most powerful leader in the free world is the epitome of a competitive job search. Who gets to make the hiring decision? I submit to you, that every U.S. citizen who exercises their right to vote contributes to ensuring the best candidate gets the job. Therefore in this transaction YOU are the hiring manager.

So what should you be looking for in the next candidate? I would like you to consider two qualities: Leadership and Character.

Here are some questions to ask yourself about your favorite Presidential candidate:

Leadership

1. Has your Presidential candidate led effectively in the past? If so, what did they lead? How did they lead?

2. What is the vision your Presidential candidate has for our country moving forward? Is the vision compelling? Are they able to articulate their vision and engage others to participate in creating the vision - can they make it happen?

3. Mental toughness is critical for a leader - Have you ever seen your Presidential candidate sweat under pressure? Is your candidate willing to stand alone on a controversial issue or does their voice/their opinion blend with the crowd?

4. When your Presidential candidate speaks, do people listen or laugh?

5. What is your Presidential candidate’s strength of character? How will they respond under pressure?

According to Rebecca Barnet of Winningyourway.com, “doing what is right always comes down to the individual.” Today, we cannot predict where we are going or how our lives will unfold, but we can understand who we are, what we believe and what we stand for.” As hiring managers for the next President, it is critical that you know who you are, what you believe and what you stand for as well. It will help you find the candidate who most closely matches your values and assess their strength of character.

Here is a list of Character traits (taken from Wake County Public School System) you should look for when making your hiring decision for the next President of the United States:

Character

1. Courageous - Having the determination to do the right thing even when others don’t; the strength to follow your conscience rather than the crowd. Attempting difficult things that are worthwhile.

2. Honesty/Integrity - Having the inner strength to be truthful, trustworthy, and honest in all things. Acting justly and honorably.

3. Good Judgement - Choosing worthy goals and setting proper priorities. Thinking through the consequences of your actions. Basing decisions on practical wisdom and good sense.

4. Self-Discipline - Regulating yourself for improvement and refraining from inappropriate behaviors.

5. Perseverance - Being persistent in pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty, opposition, or discouragement. Exhibiting patience and having the fortitude to try again when confronted with delays, mistakes, or failures

These two qualities: Leadership and Character, are very important for us, as hiring managers to consider over the next year as we look to find the best candidate for the job of President of the United States of America. If none of the candidates suit your fancy, you might want to consider voting for me as the next President. This post is the first of many I will do over the next year to help you as you make a hiring decision.

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