While I was enjoying a lunchtime jog in the sunshine the other day, it occurred to me that inquiring about a candidate’s exercise habit could be another indicator of job competency.
1. Prioritisation and organisation skills
In a time-poor society, an employee who exercises regularly while balancing work and home life commitments demonstrates high-level organisational skills. They get up early, or they make time during the day or after work, to fit in exercise.
2. Productivity
Companies who invest in the health of their employees understand that promoting regular exercise not only provides staff with personal health benefits but can also improve overall productivity. Keeping fit and healthy reduces sick leave and lengthy absences from work.
3. Strategic outlook
People who exercise routinely can often see the ‘bigger picture’. They know long-term effort provides sustained results.
4. Motivation and resilience
Regular exercise goers do not give up because they’re too busy, because of inclement weather, or because they’re bored or fear injury. They simply adjust their exercise routine to accommodate an injury, bad weather or a busy schedule. They know variety is the spice of life, and will often mix up their routine with various individual physical activities and team sports to help maintain motivation.
5. Creativity
I am surprised how frequently creative ideas are spawned when I am out exercising. Simply stepping out of the work environment for 30 minutes can refocus energy and provide clarity of thought for solving problems or issues.
6. Balance
A person who prioritises regular exercise understands a balanced life is essential for health and wellbeing. Aside from work, we all need to include leisure time with family and friends, as well as making time for personal activities, exercise and reflection.
7. Discipline and commitment
Someone who has exercised throughout life demonstrates discipline and the ability to commit and focus on achieving goals.
8. Ability to work independently and/or in teams
Whether a person engages in solo and/or team sports also provides insight into their behaviors and preferences. Someone who regularly participates in competitive sport understands that best results are achieved when everyone works as a team. People who enjoy individual exercise show independence and reliability in achieving goals.
On that note, it’s time for me to leave the keyboard and get out for a run.
