Two simple indicators of a man’s character that I’ve picked up on from being in the physical labour industry for 10+ years. It’s obviously not cut and dried but keep your eyes open for the following:
1. Handshake - A man doesn’t give a firm handshake only out of respect for you, it’s also out of respect for themselves.
If you give limp handshakes you might want to fix that- it directly corresponds to how others perceive you, and can be fixed with the smallest bit of conscious effort.
Pay attention to this one and notice trends associated with it.
2. Work ethic - Specifically during tasks where it’s obviously gruelling, in group-work environments, or both.
Work ethic isn’t just how hard you’re willing to work, it’s the quality of effort you’re willing to put towards specific tasks.
Regardless of even knowing how to complete a task, being a guy who knows how to instinctively apply himself, deploy his set of skills (which we all have) and learn in hands on situations goes a long way in this world, and not just for physical jobs- people like this are wanted in whatever situation they land themselves in.
It just comes down to wanting to be useful, figuring out exactly how to make yourself useful and applying yourself, on a situational basis.
Be useful and try your best, you will gain new skills and respect as the reward, just do not be a bystander.
Being open to hard tasks & making an effort to be useful in enough situations is how you turn yourself a Swiss Army knife, building character and harnessing respect from peers in the process.
