This week's challenge; See the possibilities!

Have you heard the story about the lady with a foreign background who attended a "mass hiring audition" for a big new hotel opening in Oslo?

Applying for a job as a cleaner, many people turned out and sadly she didn't get the job as others had more experience than her.

On her way out, somebody in senior management happens to say hello to her, and through typical smalltalk discovers that she is from a different country, and actually speaks not only her native tongue, and English, but also several "big" languages.

That manager saw potential, and that lady ended up getting a better-paid job in the reception instead.

Why?

It's an expensive hotel in Oslo, they have more guests from abroad than from Norway. 

Somebody who can communicate with many people can always learn how to use certain computer systems.

It is much harder to learn how to speak to people in multiple languages.

Meaning of this story?

People have skills you don't know about, and the ones they have can be used in different ways than you (are they!) might initially think.

Diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. The lady's journey exemplifies how unconventional skills drive innovation. By embracing diverse talents, we not only build resilient teams but also open avenues for adapting to an ever-evolving business landscape.

As I always say;

If you like your competitors, 

- get the same type of people, 

- to do the same type of job, 

- in the same type of way, 

- you will get the same type of results!

Personally, I would like to aim higher.

So this is my challenge to everybody this week; look past titles, degrees, skin colours, religions, seniority, nationalities, industry experiences etc etc...

Just get to know people first, and try to see what value that might bring to your business in different ways. Aim to be better than everybody else, at least in the ways that actually count.