Written by Alexandra G.
Artwork by Regina M.
It’s no secret that in our fast-paced and demanding world, credentials are important. In the eyes of people, having a lengthy CV or having numerous awards and certificates ensures a person’s success. In 2011, two professors of psychology published an opinion piece in the New York Times, entitled, "Sorry, Strivers: Talent Matters" that stated that no matter how hard you strive to improve in your field of work to compensate for a lack of talent, you won't beat those who are naturally gifted. Their conclusion was based on a landmark study that tracked intelligence and occupational accomplishments.
Other studies suggested that perseverance is still integral to success. Research from psychologist Anders Ericsson suggests that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert in anything ("The Role of Deliberate Practice in the Acquisition of Expert Performance"), while a Harvard University study that started in 1940 tracked the endurance and persistence of a group of students and found that people with the most strength of will were the ones who succeeded the most in business and in life ("Determination is More Important Than Talent or Native Ability").
There is a significant divide between people when it comes to this topic. While there is nothing wrong with having credentials, we should never overlook people who are just as dedicated and hardworking. There is a quote by Tim Fargo that goes, “Leadership is service, not position”. Whether it involves signing up for organizations or applying for a job, we need to focus on the person behind the CV. What is their personality like? How do they conduct themselves in interviews? Can you see their passion to serve in the tone of their voice and their eyes? Hard work isn’t always acknowledged (if it was, then our farmers, janitors, and small store owners would have thousands of medals slung around their necks) but that doesn’t mean that it’s not important. Take bachelor’s degrees for example. There is a great societal divide between people with degrees and people without. For the people with degrees, they may have gone through the usual rite of primary, secondary, and tertiary education, maybe even choosing to pursue a postgraduate. But some people don’t attend college, either due to financial complications or external factors like the pandemic. Maybe their resume isn’t as impressive as someone who graduated from college, but their work ethic might be on par, or even better than them.
In the end, it doesn’t matter which is more important, because a balance of both is integral to success. What it all boils down to is the concept of understanding. We need to open our eyes and realize that people aren’t born with the same set of tools. This is why we advocate for equity instead of equality, to equip people with the different tools they need to achieve success at their own pace. We cannot be exclusive when we campaign for respect because that defeats the purpose. Respect should encompass the entire human race, not just the select elite. We lend our voices to the people who can’t speak up, in the hopes that there is someone who is listening, and willing to make a change.
Sources:
Ericsson, K., Krampe, R., Tesch-Romer C. (1993). The Role of Deliberate Practice in the Acquisition of Expert Performance. [PDF File] Retrieved from: https://projects.ict.usc.edu/itw/gel/EricssonDeliberatePracticePR93.PDF
Hambrick, D., and Meinz, E. (2011, November 19). Sorry Strivers, Talent Matters. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/20/opinion/sunday/sorry-strivers-talent-matters.html?_r=3
Lui, S. (2016, June 09). Talent Versus Hard Work: Which One Determines Career Success? Retrieved from: https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2016/06/talent-versus-hard-work-which-one-determines-career-success/
Peppers, D. (2016, June 08). Determination is More Important Than Talent or Native Ability. Retrieved from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/determination-more-important-than-talent-don-peppers?src=aff-lilpar&veh=aff_src.afflilpar_c.partners_pkw.10078_plc.Skimbit%20Ltd._
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