What makes a great employee?
The funny thing about starting a new business (or really any new project, for that matter), is that the most valuable interns and employees are sometimes the ones that have the least experience in what you're trying to accomplish. If you're following a set path, it makes sense to hire people that have seen-and-done what you're trying to do; but with new and innovative ideas, there is no "right way" of doing things, and when the path to success is unclear, the worst thing that you can have are preconceived notions.
When I was first starting TOMS, I pitched the idea to a college professor who said that I would need a million dollars to get the company off the ground. I spoke with veterans in the shoe industry that saw every reason why the idea would fail. "The math just doesn't work" they would say, or "the retail business is dying," or "there's no market for canvas slip-ons," and on and on. At the time, TOMS was comprised of myself, a few duffel bags of samples, a polo instructor pretending to be a shoemaker, and a handful of interns that I hired off of Craigslist. The idea was crazy... but my interns didn't know that. All they knew was that we were having fun, and that with a little creativity and resourcefulness, we could accomplish just about anything.
As TOMS has grown, we've continued to look for these same traits in the interns and employees that we hire. Are you passionate? Can you creatively solve problems? Can you be resourceful without resources? Do you have the compassion to serve others? You can teach a new hire just about any skill... but you absolutely cannot inspire creativity and passion in someone that doesn't have it.
Would you agree?
TOMS
These shoes are awesome, I have had them not very long and i love them!
Totally agree. The passion to
Totally agree. The passion to help others and try different approaches is what's most valuable in employees. Businesses are rarely investing in their employees and are instead looking for the perfect person to jump right in. I applaud your approach for believing in a person and developing their skills inside your business.
Thank you Blake
Dear Blake,
I enjoy watching your videos on You Tube showing all the beautiful children you have helped. You are teaching the world that God is helping you to reap and sow. This scripture is in my thoughts John:13:5-6 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?"John 13:13-15 "You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, your also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. And my favorite Matthew 25:35-36 'for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 'I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Blake there is a beautiful book called "Where There Is Love, There is God Mother Theresa Edited by Brian Kolodiejchuk, M.C. there are many beautiful stories of the people she met and helped. I just opened the book and it reads "The Poor are Great People" We must know them, there are very lovable people, they are great people, they are Jesus in the distressing disguise. When I was helping our friends in need 7 days a week, I learned this scripture Luke 10:2 Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. I prayed this prayer to the Lord and I received help from Father God and the Lord and they sent churches and friends and families and co workers to help our friends in need. The Lord taught me to "BELIEVE" when we pray, and my dear friend Sister Franchesca taught me to "Claim it" whatever you are asking for in prayer. God bless you Blake and your Company and co workers, and every child and adult you help in need! Your sister in Christ sue
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[...] a group of passionate individuals that are eager to learn and to start making a difference. Reading Blake’s post from last week, I can’t help but be inspired to think as creatively as I can as well as make sure [...]
Love it
It is so inspiring to hear how an idea can come to life. If you can't believe it, why should anyone else.
Every person that buys a pair TOMS, feels good about themselves, which not many brands to.
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wholeheartedly.
I agree wholeheartedly.
If only more thought this way.
Blake for president!