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Not a gift - Seth Godin

Here are attributes many of us value in co-workers, bosses, employees, friends and vendors:

Honest

Punctual

Curious

Proactive

Flexible

Thoughtful

Generous

Fun

Committed

Respectful

Organized

Interested

Creative

Likable

Positive

you get the idea. These are things that turn someone from ordinary into a star. They are even attributes we now assign to our favorite brands, treating them like trusted or respected friends.

Someone who is likable, honest, curious and thoughtful is easy to think of as gifted. This natural charisma and care is worth seeking out in the people we choose to work with.

The thing is, it's a copout to call these things gifts. You might be born with a headstart in one area or another, you might be raised in a culture or with parents that reinforce some of these things, but these are attitudes, and attitudes can be taught, and they can be learned.

The question, then, is do you care enough to take them on? It's not fair to say, "I'm not respectful" or "I'm not creative." It is honest and clear to say, "I choose not to be honest," or "I don't want to do the work to be organized."

We can own these things. What a privilege

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2013/11/not-a-gift.html