Clarity

one trait that any professional must have is - Clarity. This is one trait that I feel any recruiter must look out for in the prospective candidate.
My big boss Mr. Vijay Dogra, shines through everthing else, due to this wonderful virtue of his. The clarity of thought is amazing...

Over the period of my experiences in my work-life, I have found that the people who have impressed me and have gained my respect are having this one trait in common.

The way one speaks and conducts is a reflection of the clarity of thought of that person. I have always tried to be clear myself but amazingly it varies a lot... what I mean to say is... in some situations, like when I am dealing with my team members, when they come to me for guidance, I am very clear. But at the same time, when I am working with a senior colleague, I tend to be confused. Its so strange and frustruating. Inconsistency in clarity is again an issue, since you confuse the people around you. One day you impress your colleagues with your wisdom and clarity and the next day you goof up and make them re-think on why they thought of you as a good professional in the first place.

Anyways, take this exercise... pick the people that you admire and see if they have this one trait with them. More than knowledge, humility, skill, oratory, attitude, charisma.... more than any of these... its the clarity of thought that makes them stand apart and take the right decisions. Or rather, ask the right questions.