“Opinions are like noses”, the saying goes. “Everyone has one.”

I like her voice! She sounds nasal! He’s funny. He thinks he’s funny.

Subjective opinions are inevitable in an industry tethered to music and art. The question is… how do we keep subjectivity from driving our most important decisions, since subjectivity almost always results in the crankiest or highest ranking having their way.

I’ve found there are at least three unique areas that can be evaluated OBJECTIVELY:

Experience. You can’t expect a third grader to pass the bar exam. Our experience is a culmination of where we’ve been, who we’ve known, and what we’ve learned. Think of how limited your view would be if you had never worked beyond your very first station. Either you hire for experience or or you hire for potential.

Talent. You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

“I’d rather have a lot of talent and a little experience than a lot of experience and a little talent.” John Wooden

“All great masters have two things in common. First, they didn’t start off as masters. Second, they found a great teacher.”

Attitude. We’ve all known talented people who failed because they didn’t have a teachable spirit.

“The world is not changed by people who sort of care.” – Sally Hogshead

Experience can be gained. Talent is God-given but can be developed. Attitude is a choice.

Attitude may be the most important trait to evaluate objectively. In the words of my friend Linnae Young…

“You can’t want success for others more than they want it for themselves”.