The Power of Attitude in Human Resources
By: Jacy Chok, HR Manager
Here is a simple illustration that might make you think twice, if each letter of the alphabet is assigned a value from 1 to 26,
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
=1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
K + N + O + W + L + E + D + G + E
11 + 14 + 15 + 23 + 12 + 5 + 4 + 7 + 5 = 96%
H + A + R + D + W + O + R + K
8 + 1 + 18 + 4 + 23 + 15 + 18 + 11 = 98%
Both are important, but fall just short of 100%
A + T + T + I + T + U + D + E
1 + 20 + 20 + 9 + 20 + 21 + 4 + 5 = 100%
Coincidence? Perhaps. But the message it carries is one every HR professional and people leader should take seriously.
Knowledge and hard work are undeniably important. Knowledge can be developed through training and continuous learning. Hard work can be encouraged through clear goals, meaningful recognition and strong leadership. But attitude — the way a person shows up every day, approaches challenges, treats colleagues and responds to change — is often the factor that determines how effectively all of that potential is actually applied.
From an HR perspective, this distinction matters enormously. An employee with exceptional technical skills but a resistant mindset can slow a team down. Conversely, an employee with a positive, growth-oriented attitude will often outperform expectations, collaborate effectively and contribute to a culture that draws the best out of everyone around them.
This is why the most progressive organisations today are rethinking how they hire, HR professionals are expected to not only recruit individuals with the right skills but also foster a culture that promotes positive attitudes, accountability and continuous growth.
In conclusion, knowledge and hard work drive performance, but attitude often determines long-term success.
HR takeaway:
Hire for attitude, develop for skill and inspire for performance.