Archive · 7 Aug 2025
Walmart HR Chief Reveals Traits Employers Seek in Professionals
Imagine you're building a Lego castle.
Some people only point out the crooked blocks and never help fix them, which is not good!
Walmart's HR boss says they don't like those people.
They prefer folks who try to fix problems and suggest solutions, not just complain.
Being super happy all the time isn't seen as realistic either.
Instead, people who take initiative, help out, and ask for help when needed are the best.
These people help build the castle better!
Walmart's HR chief identifies a 'Debbie Downer' attitude as a major red flag for job candidates.
This type of person focuses on problems without suggesting solutions, hindering progress.
Excessive optimism is also seen negatively as unrealistic and unnatural by employers.
Employers value initiative, willingness to take on extra work, and seeking timely help.
Candidates who offer solutions and embrace opportunities are highly desirable.
- Who
- Donna Morris, executive VP and chief people officer at Walmart.
- What
- Walmart's HR shared traits that employers find unattractive and attractive in candidates.
- When
- The information was shared in a recent interview.
- Where
- Information shared within a CNBC interview.
- Why
- To inform people about traits that employers are looking for in professionals.
Negative Professional Traits
Positive Professional Traits
Problem Focus vs Solution Focus
Negative Professional Traits
Always negative and highlights problems.
Positive Professional Traits
Offers solutions and seeks opportunities.
Resisting Change vs. Embracing Opportunity
Negative Professional Traits
Resistance to change and rejection of ideas.
Positive Professional Traits
Openness to opportunities.
- Company
- Walmart
- Source
- CNBC Make It interview
- Executive
- Donna Morris
- Morris's Title
- EVP and Chief People Officer
- Undesirable Trait
- Focusing on problems, not solutions
- Also Undesirable
- Constant Optimism
- Desirable Traits
- Initiative and solution oriented