WHO IS THE RIGHT EMPLOYEE?

By Dr Abhishek Gilara

When it comes to hiring, promoting, or retaining talent, we often ask, 'Who is truly the right employee?

Is it the one who performs brilliantly in interviews? The one with an impressive degree or years of experience? The one with a dazzling skillset or a perfect record of punctuality? Maybe the one who’s well-mannered and obedient? Or someone you can trust?

These are all important qualities. But here’s the truth most people overlook: even if someone ticks every single box, they can still fail—if they lack one non-negotiable trait.

The Non-Negotiable: A Hardworking Mindset

Hard work is the soul of contribution. Without it, all the qualifications, manners, and even trustworthiness lose their value.

A person who avoids work, who only does the bare minimum, or who waits to be told what to do becomes a liability, not an asset. Skills matter. But skills without effort? That’s like owning a car with no fuel.

Let me share a story to show you what I mean.

A Tale of Two Gardeners

We had a gardener who had all the right traits—experience, manners, and trustworthiness. Yet every week, we found ourselves correcting, instructing, and reminding him. The job would get done, but only after being nudged.

Then, a few months ago, we hired a new gardener. I gave him instructions once—and never again. He works with ownership, energy, and pride. He sees what needs to be done and does it—without supervision, without reminders.

Same tools. Same job. Entirely different outcomes. Why? One worked with skill, the other with heart.

Resumes Can Mislead. Mindset Never Does.

When you’re evaluating someone, don’t get distracted by the paper. Look beyond the resume, the degrees, and the charm. Ask yourself:

Does this person work hard—even when no one’s watching?

That’s the real test. And if the answer is no, don’t overanalyse. Don’t wait too long. Replace swiftly.

Because you don’t just need people who can work. You need people who want to work.

The Right Employee Shows Up Every Day

The right employee shows up with:

• Energy, not excuses

• Ownership, not indifference

• Commitment, not just compliance

They don’t just fulfil a role—they contribute. They don’t wait for direction—they take initiative. They don’t do it because they’re told—they do it because they care.

In any team, business, or organisation, that mindset is priceless.

Final Thought: You can train for skills. You can teach rules. But you can’t teach someone to care. Hire for heart. Promote on effort. Reward the will to work.

That’s how you build a team that grows, not just works.