If you had to pick five qualities or characteristics that you would want to see in a tip-top employee, employer or just work colleague, what would they be?

Let’s cheat for a moment and consult with Dr Google. For example, an item last year posted on Forbespoints to professionalism, high-energy and confidence, along with self monitoring and intellectual curiosity. A more recent blog directed the reader to learning curves, teamwork, value proposition, communication skills and even personal enthusiasm.

All very true. I will let the organisational psychologists amongst you debate it out. However, I believe that there is a much more basic and practical formula.

I have just finished reading “80 Not Out” by Dickie Bird. This octogenarian gentleman is a legend in the game of cricket, a mediocre player who went on to become possibly the greatest umpire ever. Like his dad, he left school early and went to work in a coal mine. Some lucky breaks saw him make it into the world of sport. He has since earned global fame and even attained honorary degrees.

On page 150, he observed:

I am more convinced than ever that there are five qualities which are vital for an umpire to reach the top of his profession – honesty, concentration, application, dedication and confidence. It is also important to gain the respect of the players……

Mr Bird is no academic.He probably does not folow blogs or the Tom Peters of this world. For all that, he has hit the nail on the head. With delicate simplicity, he has just described what anybody should possess in order to reach the top of his niche in life: honesty, concentration, application, dedication and confidence, all wrapped with an understanding of mutual respect.