3 Variables of a Job

I am putting this post here because it has come up in work conversations so often during the last many years that I think deserves to be published and saved for tomorrow's reference. Yes, it really has that truism.

As I remember this story, some professor of my elder brother, who was doing his MBA at ISB in 2005-06, had mentioned to their class that there are 3 variables to every job - Profile, Location and Money.

In most jobs, only one variable will really meet your expectations. (Keep looking.)
In good jobs, two variables will meet your expectations. (Enjoy it.)
In ideal jobs, all three variables will meet your expectations. (Stick with it.)

I have analyzed many people's jobs on these 3 variables over the years (including multiple jobs of mine) and have found all job issues (or lack thereof) were somehow always in line with these 3 variables. Hence, I think that it is a good tool to use when evaluating an existing job as well as a new job. And, especially so when evaluating quitting an existing job and comparing it with a new job.

2 Leadership Traits

I recently had the chance to attend the Forbes India Leadership Awards (2012) and somehow from all that talk about Leadership, Success, Key Success Factors, etc. the conversation that stayed with me was the the one between Philosopher Satguru and Indian Banking icon K.V.Kamath.

Satguru reckons that the 2 traits he sees in true Leaders are:
1) Uniqueness: They do have at least one unique strength - functional, behavioral, whatever - which they leverage very well.
2) Competency Building: They continuously look to build their competencies, rather than aiming for the job of a Leader. Over time, they develop so many competencies that they are then (suddenly) the only people who can do a Leadership job.

K.V.Kamath reckons that the 2 traits he sees in true Leaders are:
1) Foresight: They are able to see at least some things - Trends, Opportunities, Threats - very well in advance compared to the others, and they get busy preparing for that scenario.
2) Execution: Once the visualization is over, they have the capability to get their hands dirty and get things rolling on the ground and make it all happen.

Fantastic views from 2 different people. It has somehow stayed with me, even after a week. :)