VISIBLE ABILITY

It is important for me to show my abilities. I want others to admire what I do.

This attribute describes people who want to do something with their lives that other people admire and value. The emphasis is slightly more on visible ability rather than their social image, so they are more likely to value something concrete to back up their public profile. It describes an aspect of people who like to be recognised for what they do as much as the way they look, or be perceived by the public.

Fulfilment could come from simply doing something well and better than before, but it is the visibility of their achievements that deepens the experience and enjoyment. Developing abilities in their chosen field is important to them, particularly if they can demonstrate their skills to others. They like to be seen as an expert, or a master of their craft. Being mediocre is not acceptable. Aiming to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant, getting awards for their writing, or being recognised as an influential scientific researcher would be examples of typical aspirations.

One important set of abilities would be personal branding, where they are able to build an effective public image and to maintain their social status. Such skills could range from how they dress and talk, to how their Facebook or LinkedIn profile enhances their public persona. They are learning how to stand out from the crowd and to differentiate themselves from the masses, so they can get the feedback they crave and increase the chance of progressing even further in life.

There are no significant differences between men and women who espouse this attribute; however a significant proportion of espousers do come from higher income households and tend to be under 35 years of age. They are hard workers and very determined. They will put a great deal of effort into achieving a better position in life. Ideally, they would like to be able to place themselves as high as possible on the ladder of success. In practice, clear levels and grades at work and leisure would be valued, such as exclusive perks, better offices, different coloured martial arts belts and graded diplomas for playing a musical instrument.

They do not understand individuals who are not as driven to get to the top. They like participating in the rat race and find it difficult to empathise with those who appear to be coasting or observing on the sidelines of life. Likewise, they have little patience for those who place good behaviour, politeness and propriety above straight talking and achievement. In fact, they are willing to break the rules and not behave properly, as long as it does not interfere with their strategy for impressing others. They do not worry about doing something wrong, but they may worry about being seen to do something wrong!

So, they like to impress other people and have the best image to prove it but, generally speaking, they do not value the trappings of success unless they feel that they have earned it. Material wealth is important to them, but they would prefer to be admired for how they became wealthy or how they use their wealth. They like to work upon their skills and believe that they can do most things as well as other people. If they cannot do something well, then they will spend time and effort improving their ability. Usually, they reach the goals they set themselves, because they have learned to stretch themselves and know what is achievable. They make their success happen. Success comes through their own efforts and is not dependent upon others.

 

Using Visible ability

Demographic Skews:

1) Over-indexed: Under 35, up-market.

2) Under-indexed: 45+.

Visible ability espousers also espouse other Attributes. The top five most highly correlated Attributes of Visible ability espousers are, in order of the strength of relationship:

1) Aspiration
2) Visible success
3) Image
4 Material wealth
5 Confident.

In total those who espouse Visible ability also over-index significantly on 13 other Attributes.


If "Visible ability" (or the associated attributes) are important to you and you would like to delve more deeply, contact us at mail@cultdyn.co.uk