Nonmotivated Slow Learners Who Don’t Work Hard

At Xahir, we value nonmotivated slow learners who don’t work hard.

We are also proud to think differently, having been fortunate enough to discover that in many ways, popular belief remains that the world is flat. This is particularly true when it comes to work.

The example assessed in this article is the platitude--or a variation thereof-- boasted in resumes and interviews: “I am a motivated, hard working, fast learner.” These attributes are significantly overvalued.

When individuals describe themselves as motivated workers, they often mean two things that are exact opposites. Motivation can be synonymous with inspiration, an attitude as fleeting and unpredictable as the weather. Its opposite is will-power, which must be used when the inspiration passes. Consider the following: does a fish need motivation to swim, or a bird  will-power to fly? Of course not. They are literally in their element. Equally, individuals want to be challenged; they want to actualize their talents and skills through their creations. At Xahir, we recognize the value of individuals, and do our best to place them in an environment in which they can most thrive without the need of motivation or will-power.

Fast learner? Sorry to hear. The best way to debunk this myth is a sports example. Champion gymnast, coach, and self-help author, Dan Millman discusses types of learning is his book, Body, Mind, Mastery. He presents the following chart.


The fast learner, curve A, does advance quicker, but eventually, his skills plateau. Not only does he find it challenging to progress, he is also burdened by bad habits that ultimately hurt his performance. Slow learners, on the other hand, have the patience and discipline to lay a foundation that leads to mastery. Curve C represents those formerly in A who went back to the basics before advancing further.

Hard workers are related to motivated individuals. Hard work is driven by ambition, and, by definition, requires significant effort. The adage “work smarter, not harder” is brilliant and seemingly not appreciated enough. Is the presumption that strain impedes productivity really that revolutionary; that a happy, healthy, and balanced lifestyle is optimal? Are certain MBAs not taught the law of diminishing returns? The slow learner’s forethought, and rested individual’s creative solutions save dozens of labor hours.

Many would jump on the opportunity to have an employee work 60 instead of 40 hours. One reason for such judgement is greed, but mostly, it is a consequence of the ignorance that you won’t fall off the edge of the world if you sail far eastward. Xahir’s management wants the same thing that all managers want, to maximize productivity. We simply have an opposite view point on how to achieve those results. Our methods, naturally, are most beneficial to the Xahir team.

Do you have what it takes to enjoy what you do, feel respected and valued, learn slowly, and work smart? We know you do. This is one example of many of our unique corporate philosophy. Enjoy your stay and discover more!

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Founder, George Rahal's email address: gr [at] xahir [dot] com