Attitude vs. Aptitude: Why Your Professional Presence Opens More Doors

The 30-Second Test: Prioritizing Attitude

It is true, the first 15 to 30 seconds form the first impression. Being judged in this short period of time is not fair, but it is real. If you don't pass this initial test, you may not have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge (your Aptitude).

Sometimes, an honor mention won't make you the best job candidate. If your way of relating to others is difficult, the director's position may not be for you.

Before knowing how much experience you have, your attitude, your appearance, and your ability to relate to others are extremely important. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate it and project the Professional Presence needed to achieve your goals.

6 Attitude Keys That Build Your Professional Presence

To ensure that your professional attitude opens doors for you, you must master these six essential behaviors:

1. Confidence Upon Entering: Project confidence with a smile and a straight posture (walking straight).

2. Physical Presence: Maintain personal hygiene and dress presentably and up-to-date.

3. Social Behavior: Know how to coexist appropriately in social and office events (etiquette).

4. Positive Non-Verbal Language: Avoid signs of insecurity (no making faces, no diverting your gaze, no playing with your hair, no biting your nails, etc.).

5. Active Listening: Be attentive to what the other person has to say, demonstrating respect for their time and ideas.

6. Empathy and Rapport: Find a way to connect with people to maintain strong and lasting relationships.

Why Attitude Outweighs Aptitude in Execution

With a positive attitude, you will have the self-confidence to stand out. Attitude gives you tools that Aptitude (technical knowledge) does not:

• Understanding: It helps you understand what the person really wants to hear.

• Efficiency: The efficiency with which you respond to problems.

• Clarity: It allows you to have mental clarity to write an email and be effective in completing your tasks.

• Resilience: It gives you tools to face obstacles and keep moving forward.

People feel comfortable with those who solve their problems today, not tomorrow. Your positive attitude allows you to achieve this, regardless of your years of experience.

Don't you think you should work on improving your attitude to achieve more success in your Professional Presence?