One Job, Two Good Candidates—Would You Hire for Attitude or Aptitude?

It might seem silly to narrow candidates down based on a single ability or trait. Based on decades in the industry, though, I can say very genuinely that the ability to manage one’s attitude is a more valuable asset than aptitude. You might be saying, “Really? What about digital fluency? Tech skills? Communication?” I get it. Those things are vital as well. Psychology and manufacturing, meanwhile, may sound as much of a pair as peanut butter and steak. But if it involves a computer, a machine, or a process, it can be trained for with relative ease. Attitude, on the other hand, is notoriously hard to influence—and one of the most important aspects of productivity.