Personally, I hate the overuse of the word passion (with a passion). But the more interviews we do the more I realize everyone has a different perspective, and it’s pretty much a tie.
So I’m asking you, Foolish readers: Passion over talent, or vice versa? Post your thoughts below.
To kick this off: There needs to be a baseline level of talent for any creative endeavour. From there, passion will drive someone’s desire to do and learn and grow — especially during the boring parts of any creative work, and when things aren’t going your way.
When I hire, the baseline 'talent' is usually more or less there in most cases (if your recruiter has screened candidates properly)!
What always tips the balance for me when I have to decide between candidates, is always about passion. Or, in my parlance, I call it the fire in the belly. It's that hunger that will help them overcome obstacles, and it can't be taught.
I think talent is important but without the drive (or passion) to continuously improve, then a person will seldom excel. I strongly believe that it's the passion that will get you where you need to be — talent may help you get your foot in the door, but it's not enough on its own.
To kick this off: There needs to be a baseline level of talent for any creative endeavour. From there, passion will drive someone’s desire to do and learn and grow — especially during the boring parts of any creative work, and when things aren’t going your way.
When I hire, the baseline 'talent' is usually more or less there in most cases (if your recruiter has screened candidates properly)!
What always tips the balance for me when I have to decide between candidates, is always about passion. Or, in my parlance, I call it the fire in the belly. It's that hunger that will help them overcome obstacles, and it can't be taught.
“Fire in the belly” - love that.
I think talent is important but without the drive (or passion) to continuously improve, then a person will seldom excel. I strongly believe that it's the passion that will get you where you need to be — talent may help you get your foot in the door, but it's not enough on its own.