CEO Steven Bartlett hired a woman with zero experience because a tiny detail meant everything Given today's shaky economy, things are tough for young job-seekers. The unemployment rate for those aged 16 to 24 climbed to 10.5% at the _end of 2025_, the highest it's been in four years. There are many reasons getting a gig is tough for younger people right now: AI is _eating up_ many junior-level jobs, _tariffs have slowed_ U.S. manufacturing, and people are _clinging_ to their current roles, creating fewer opportunities. Although there's no surefire tactic for landing a job in today's tough economy, a recent _LinkedIn post_ from __Diary of a CEO__ podcast host Steven Bartlett sheds light on what employers are looking for in young workers. He recently hired a woman with zero experience because of the exceptional people skills she demonstrated in a job interview. Bartlett is a Dragon on the UK’s _Dragon's Den_ (similar to _Shark Tank_ in the U.S.) and the founder of Flightstory, a media, marketing, and investment company. "I hired someone whose CV was two lines. Their experience was zero... this taught me a critical hiring lesson," Bartlett wrote. "Much of the reason why I gave her the job was because: She thanked the security guard by name on the way into the building." ## She turned her weakness into a strength In addition to showing exceptional conscientiousness by thanking the security guard, she leveraged her inexperience to highlight other aspects of her skill set. "When she didn't know something, in the interview she said, 'I don't know that yet, but here's how I'd figure it out.' After the interview, she went and self-taught herself the answer she didn't know, and emailed it to me within hours," Bartlett continued. "She sent a thank-you note. To everyone after the interview." Six months later, Bartlett says she's one of the best hires he's ever made. "This is the lesson... HIRE THE HARD THING. By this I mean hire the thing that's hardest to teach," he wrote. "You can show someone how to do marketing in a few weeks, you can't teach them real EQ [emotional intelligence] in a few weeks." A young woman on a job interview.via Canva Bartlett's post illustrates how, in today's world, companies place greater value on emotional intelligence, recognizing it as the special sauce that keeps an organization running smoothly. Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage one's own emotions and those of others. ## The importance of emotional intelligence "The importance of emotional competence comes from the observation in the business world, in academia, the military, and every human enterprise, that there are people who are highly competent in technical and analytical skills, but when they interact with others, projects stall," Ron Siegel, assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, told ___The Harvard Gazette___. "I suspect that business leaders have realized that it's relatively easy to get technical expertise in almost anything, but to get people who can understand and get along with one another, that is a challenge. In many projects, there is a growing awareness that this skill is going to be the one that carries the day." A young woman on a job interview.via Canva The post should offer some solace to young job hunters who lack experience but have strong emotional intelligence. A thin resume can be padded out by showing that you can be an incredible asset to the company culture. "15 years of hiring has taught me that culture fit and character is MUCH harder to hire than experience, skills, or education," Bartlett wrote. "You can teach someone Excel in a weekend. You can't teach them to really give a sh*t about the work in a week."

How to Select a President (ep 310) Julie discusses psychological test selection in regard to the role of president. She talks about the two main factors of cognitive ability and conscientiousness, and also the importance of job match. We look at how Trump's temperament and talents coincide with present conditions In the United States and world. Clip Used:  https://youtu.be/i4jM_Scmg3k?si=aSVOlaoBxmMtcZMY By: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEconomicTimes

📣 New Podcast! "How to Select a President (ep 310)" on @Spreaker #ability #coffee #cognitive #conscientiousness #julie #libertarians #mike #president #psychological #psychology #selection #states #talents #talk #temperament #test #trump #united

Researchers discover a trait in kids that can predict how long their parents live It’s common knowledge that in longevity studies, people who are _smarter than average_ as children live longer than those with average or below-average intelligence. This is pretty easy to test: compare the intelligence tests they took at a young age in school with how long they lived. However, researchers _weren’t sure_ whether it was because smarter people also have good genes for longevity, meaning their mental and physical functions were superior. Or, if being smarter means you make better health choices, earn more money, and live in a safer neighborhood, which could also contribute to your longevity. ## The trait in children that can predict their parents' longevity To figure out whether a smart kid’s longevity was due to lifestyle or luck of birth, researchers at the University of Edinburgh studied how long the gifted children's parents lived, since longevity has been found to be genetic. The scientists found that the parents of intellectually gifted children live longer than those with children who were of average or below-average intelligence. So, if junior does a great job on his standardized testing in the second grade, there is a chance that you may live longer than others born around the same time as you. Parents helping their kids with homework.via Canva/Photos Why is it that if a child has above-average intelligence, their parents will live longer? Researchers believe this is due to a genetic phenomenon known as pleiotropy, which occurs when a single genetic trait affects multiple systems within the body. This is part of the “system integrity” hypothesis, which holds that some people have genetic profiles that benefit the entire organism. It’s also believed that having a healthier body _can also lead_ to higher intelligence. If someone has a well-functioning nervous system, that could bode well for their body, with an enhanced ability to fight disease, and for their mind, by providing better neural connections. ## How can I increase my longevity? Having superior genes is really the luck of the draw in life, and kudos if you’ve been blessed with a system that is fine-tuned for health and intelligence. But what about the other folks who may need to pick up a few skills to live longer? According to psychologists, the number one _personality trait_ you can develop on your own is conscientiousness. “Conscientiousness is a fundamental personality trait—one of the Big Five—that reflects the tendency to be responsible, organized, hard-working, goal-directed, and to adhere to norms and rules,” __Psychology Today_ says._ “Like the other core personality factors, it has multiple facets; conscientiousness comprises self-control, industriousness, responsibility, and reliability." A nervous child at the spelling bee.via Canva/Photos ## Why do conscientious people live longer? “Conscientious people don’t do stupid things, so they have lower rates of accidents and better health behaviors,” David Watson, a former professor of personality psychology at the University of Notre Dame, tells _CNBC’s _Make It_._ “The basic idea is if you want to increase your conscientiousness, act more conscientious, and the attitude follows the behavior. Try to be on time for things. Follow through on things.” If you have a child and they are killing it on standardized tests, then you’re lucky because you may get to live a longer life than the folks you went to school with. But if you haven’t won the genetic lottery, you can still add a few years on to your life by becoming more conscientious. Create a predictable environment, show up on time, and set some small goals and accomplish them. Then not only are you living longer, but probably enjoying greater success as well.

We found support for the associations most frequently cited in the literature: #conscientiousness <-> #compliance, and #neuroticism <-> #perceivedRisk. Other associations that are only occasionally seen in the literature were less strongly indicated, and there were some novel discoveries.
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The surprising personality traits of people who still write grocery lists by hand Are you the type of person who always writes grocery lists by hand? Perhaps on the back of a receipt, in a special notebook, or on an index card? Do you insist on this method, even though you’re the only one in the store unfurling paper like an ancient scroll while everyone has their heads down, tapping away at their phones? Lists are undoubtedly important. In a poll, research revealed that the average British adult writes an average of three to-do lists a week—which, in some cases, can add up to 9,766 lists in a lifetime. “Evidently, we all rely on lists for one aspect of life or another,” commented Shahbaz Khan from STABILO, a high-quality pen and pencil company. But when it comes to the actual list-making, does the method in which you create it really matter? Apparently, yes. And your choice, handwritten or digital, can say a lot about your personality. ## If you prefer handwriting, you’re likely… #### To have a mind that operates like a filing cabinet In 2024, two professors at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Dr. Audrey L.H. Van der Meer and F.R. (Ruud) Van der Weel, found that handwriting activates more elaborate and widespread brain connectivity patterns compared to typing. They suggest that the physical act of moving your hand while writing creates spatial and temporal patterns in the brain that promote learning. media4.giphy.com In a similar study, Japanese researchers found that participants who wrote calendar events by hand on paper showed increased brain activity—particularly in memory regions—compared to those who recorded the same information on smartphones. The hand writers also recalled the information 25% faster than those who typed. Writing by hand triggers extra neural activity in regions tied to learning and memory. So, no matter how messy your handwriting might be, that grocery list might also be giving your memory a little work-out. #### To be naturally conscientious and understand the secret to success Conscientiousness isn't the same as self-control or self-restraint—rather, it refers to a person's tendency to be organized, reliable, goal-directed, and self-disciplined. It's no surprise, then, that those who score highly in conscientiousness tend to be successful: they aim for high-profile outcomes and have the ability to develop well-thought-out plans to accomplish their goals. #### Comfortable getting tactile Nothing quite compares to writing with your perfect pen. (By the way, what's yours? A Pilot G2-2? Uni-ball Vision Elite? Or perhaps something fancy, like the Squire Classic Pen from Baronfig?) It's a complete sensory experience as your pen glides across paper. This physical connection helps create a deeper engagement with the task at hand. #### To not buy on impulse Yanliu Huang and Zhen Yang from the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University examined how handwritten shopping lists differ from digital ones. Their research showed that people who write lists on paper tend to make more planned purchases and fewer impulse buys. A woman looks at her grocery list in a supermarket. Photo Credit: Kampus Production/Pexels #### However, there are a few downsides to a handwritten grocery list… Let's face it: sometimes you can't read your own handwriting. When rushing, you might scribble illegibly, forget items, or leave the paper at home entirely. (Pro tip for forgetful hand-writers: snap a photo of your list before heading out, just in case.) Paper lists are also cumbersome to update on the go. Picture this—you've just remembered you need onions while backing out of the driveway, but now you're scrambling for a pen. Don't do this. Plus, paper lists make it difficult to coordinate shopping with other people. ## If you’re #DigitalForever, you’re likely… In a poll of 2,000 people in the United Kingdom, researchers found that when it comes to list-making, only 40% use their phones, while 63% write on notepads and 24% use sticky notes. So congrats—you're right in the middle! #### Extremely efficient and organized Your phone is a miracle list-maker: people who use digital lists value practicality over sentimentality—they appreciate the power of automatic sorting, expense tracking, and integrated coupon features. These lists can be updated instantly and accessed from almost any device, making them the most efficient, streamlined option. People who use digital lists value practicality over sentimentality.Photo Credit: Jack Sparrow/Pexels #### Someone who uses data to make decisions Beyond expense tracking, many apps provide nutritional data, meal planning suggestions, and inventory management—helping you make smarter, healthier food choices. You're not just shopping anymore; you're strategically planning your nutrition. #### Collaborating with someone in the kitchen The beauty of a digital list is that it can be shared with others in real time, allowing multiple people to add items seamlessly. This eliminates miscommunications and duplicate purchases while reducing paper waste and promoting environmentally friendly habits. #### The digital life has its downsides, too… Taking a break from your phone can be refreshing, but keeping your grocery list there means more screen time—potentially leading to digital fatigue or distractions from notifications and other apps. There's also the practical concern: what if your phone dies, you lose internet connection, or your service drops out while shopping? Grocery shopping can be such a treat. Whether you use digital lists, handwritten scribbles, or memory tricks to track what you need, there's no wrong approach. The “best” way to write a grocery list depends on _you_ : your personal preferences, your lifestyle, and what works for your routine. Ask yourself, “What will make me feel the most organized and calm?” Then let your grocery list lead the way. _This article originally appeared in June._

丁寧 (ていねい, teinei) when referring to careful attention and thoroughness. Conscientious action in Japan makes me happy and proud to be a Japanese!

#visitjapan #lovejapan #conscientiousness

What's in a word? For discussion today #Conscientiousness

If your diligence only serves profit, it’s incomplete. Commit to #Conscientiousness: apply meticulous focus to your ethical impact.

#25Words #RegenerativeLeadership

No Conscientiousness Hasn't Collaped Among Young People in Recent Years How the Financial Times created a misleading meme and contributed to the firehose of nonsense on screen panic

Today, I examine the claim that #conscientiousness is dropping among young people and that #smartphones and #socialmedia (and streaming services?) are responsible for this. The Financial Times’ article on this appears to be the result of data torturing.

open.substack.com/pub/grimoire...

#Conscientiousness (the Big5 personality trait that better predicts career success) is in sustained decline, especially among young adults, just when we need it most.
The good news: personality is malleable. The irony: rebuilding it will take… a lot of conscientiousness.
www.ft.com/content/5cd7...

Kids With This Personality Trait Grow Up to Be Richer, Healthier, and Happier. Here’s How to Nurture It A boatload of science suggests entrepreneur parents often undervalue this important but unsexy trait in their kids.

Kids With This Personality Trait Grow Up to Be Richer, Healthier, and Happier. Here’s How to Nurture It | #conscientiousness Inc

The right to die with dignity www.lusolobo.com/eutanasia #constitutional #conscientiousness #bylaw #morality #rightwing #palliation #eutanasia @visitportugal.com

June 9 #BlueSky #haiku , from posts by @halifaxretales.bsky.social, @listigeplaylists.bsky.social, @charleskeener.bsky.social:

stop the deceptive

spread the word and help us reach

those who look away

#micropoetry #FoundPoetry #poetry #poem #justice #conscientiousness #see #witness

New study finds conscientiousness linked to higher reproductive success worldwide A new study published in Evolutionary Psychology finds that personality trait conscientiousness—the tendency to be organized, responsible, self-disciplined, and goal-oriented—is consistently linked...

New study finds conscientiousness linked to higher reproductive success worldwide #Science #Biology #EvolutionaryBiology #Conscientiousness #ReproductiveSuccess #Psychology

Conscientious personalities less at risk of dementia diagnosis People with high neuroticism and low conscientiousness are more likely to develop dementia

Out today in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association! Our collaborative meta-analysis led by Emorie Beck & Eileen Graham on personality and dementia: people w/ high #neuroticism and low #conscientiousness more likely to develop #dementia t.co/Dtr9OKkdwW