The AIR that fuels High Performance and Potential

Hope you had read my thought frameworks on decision making and Leadership excellence, if not; I would highly recommend to read them before absorbing this framework on the key aspects that defines high-performing talent, which helps to hire, grow and retain or retire.

“Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy . And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” – Warren Buffett

In our professional lives; we come across different shades of people.  Through this article I have tried to unearth them based on my take on the three main aspects of a high performers; Agency, Integrity and Resourcefulness (AIR).

Agency: 

“Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact: Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you and you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use.”  - Steve Jobs

People with high agency feel a sense of control over their lives, and they can make decisions about what they want or need and act to meet those needs.  They have the self-belief to overcome nearly any circumstance, challenge social norms and beliefs, think independently, and take action to follow their curiosity.  High agency is not just another positive trait; it’s a mindset that can bend reality, a drive, an almost tangible force that defies the status quo.  It’s the voice that rejects “no”, reshaping obstacles into stepping stones.

Integrity:

"It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest." - Adam Smith

 Philosopher Thomas Hobbes argued that in a "state of nature," humans are primarily driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power.  And in general there is an acknowledgment of the human propensity for selfishness and the need to work towards overcoming it.  Integrity is the cornerstone of a genuine human being, and it requires a careful balance between the inherent human tendency towards selfishness and the more altruistic, empathetic qualities that great people embody.  True integrity requires a genuine commitment to serving a purpose larger than oneself, putting the needs of the team, organization, or community before one's own.

Resourcefulness: 

“It’s not the lack of resources, it’s your lack of resourcefulness that causes failure.” – Tony Robbins

Resourcefulness is the ability to find clever and quick ways to overcome difficulties. It's about using what you have, instead of what you'd like to have, to succeed and scale. It is the ability to effectively use and manage available resources, including one's own skills, knowledge, and abilities, to accomplish a task or goal. Resourceful individuals are adept at identifying and utilizing the resources at their disposal, to make the most of what they have and overcome challenges through ingenuity and problem-solving.  It is a core skill, that leverages, quick out of the box thinking, relationships, flexibility and adaptability. 

Here’s a 2x2x2 matrix providing comprehensive framework to understand the interplay between an individual's sense of agency, ethical decision-making (Integrity), and access to resources. This can be a valuable tool for talent attraction, talent engagement, talent development, OD, and organizational culture initiatives.

The AIR framework

Leader:  High agency, high integrity, and high resourcefulness. These individuals have a strong moral compass, the ability to take decisive action, and the means to make meaningful impact.  These individuals have a strong sense of personal control and are highly motivated, innovative, and willing to take risks to achieve their goals.  These individuals are able to leverage their talents and resources to drive meaningful change while maintaining high ethical standards. They are often seen as inspirational role models and trusted leaders.

Opportunist: High agency, high resourcefulness, and low integrity.  These individuals prioritize their own interests over ethical considerations and are willing to exploit their capabilities for personal gain.  They are skilled at navigating and manipulating systems to their advantage, but their lack of ethical restraint can lead to a destructive impact on those around them.

Idealist: High agency, high integrity and low resourcefulness.  These individuals have a clear vision and principles, but struggle to translate them into tangible outcomes due to a lack of resourcefulness.  They struggle to overcome the barriers that stand in the way of achieving their goals to progress.  Also, they may take bold actions without fully considering the consequences.

Reckless: High agency, low integrity, and low resourcefulness.  These individuals are impulsive and willing to take risks, often without regard for the consequences, or a realistic assessment of their capabilities or ethical implications.  They lack the skills, knowledge, or support systems to effectively manage the risks and consequences of their actions.

Contributor: Low agency, high integrity, and high resourcefulness.  These individuals consistently apply their capabilities in a principled manner to support the greater good of the organisation or team, often working behind the scenes.  They do not seek recognition, but their consistent and ethical contributions are invaluable to the functioning of a group or organization.  They are reliable, hardworking, and consistent.

Manipulator: Low agency, low integrity, and high resourcefulness.  These individuals lack the motivation to drive change directly, however leverage their skills and resources to influence situations and people in ways that benefit themselves, even at the expense of others.  These individuals are highly skilled at navigating social and organizational dynamics, but their lack of ethical restraint can lead to a toxic and damaging impact on those around them.

Realist: Low agency, high integrity, and low resourcefulness.  These individuals recognize their limitations, but strive to make the most of their situation while maintaining their moral standards.  They often feel powerless and lack the resources to take meaningful action, often remaining on the side-lines and allowing others to shape the outcomes.

Hopeless: Low agency, low integrity, and low resourcefulness. These individuals feel powerless and lack the tools or motivation to improve their circumstances, often resorting to unethical behaviours as a means of survival.  They face the most significant challenges, as they lack both the capabilities and the right means to effectively overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Hope this helped, happy learning and growing.

cheers, anish