<a href="http://www.diamondsjewel.com/images/diamonds394.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin:5px;" align="right" src="http://guineaoye.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/guinea11diamonds.jpg" width="295" height="271"></a>  <p>It has been said that diamonds are a girl's best friend - and who am I to disagree.&nbsp; I love the sparkly little things.&nbsp; But, in the world of business, I love a different kind of diamond more.&nbsp; These kinds of diamonds make a real difference.</p> <p>Just as the glittering rocks have been valued through the ages, there are some people who are true diamonds and they shine!</p> <p>But how do we measure a diamond's value?&nbsp; Any diamond aficionado can tell you that diamonds are graded on the 4 C's - Carat Weight, Cut, Clarity, and Color.&nbsp; When we look for our 'human diamonds' the same just might hold true - Let's take a look...</p> <p><strong>Carat Weight</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Carat</strong> is the unit of weight for the diamond.&nbsp; A carat is further subdivided in 100 points ( 0.01 carat = l point ). One carat is equal to 0.20 grams.&nbsp; Value per carat increases with carat size, because larger rough diamonds occur less frequently.&nbsp; In other words, 2 half-carat diamonds taken together will not cost as much as 1 one-carat diamond, as the one-carat stone is more rare.</em>  <p>Is there a carat weight in human terms? You might say so. The carat weight of true contributors in an organization is measured by the value they bring through their skills and talents.&nbsp; <em>They carry their weight as part of the team</em> - and the scale they are measured by is one of results.  <p><strong>Cut </strong></p> <p><strong>Cut</strong> refers to the proportions, finish, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. These factors determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond.&nbsp; </p> <p>When it comes to people, we all start out as 'rough' diamonds.&nbsp; It is through our journey that we gather the skills, the lessons, and the polish we need.&nbsp; The most valuable diamonds are continuously learning, seeking, and finding balance.&nbsp; They have a symmetry that allows them to make the greatest of contributions in business ... and in life.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Clarity</strong></p> <p><strong>Clarity</strong> describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. This is determined by the number, size, nature, and location of the internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) imperfections.</p> <p>In the case of our human "diamonds" their clarity is revealed in their values.&nbsp; These are people with passion, with integrity, and most of all with a willingness to share what they know with others through mentoring and leadership.&nbsp; You can find them in every level of an organization - not just at the top.&nbsp; It is the lack of flaws in their character that makes them shine. </p> <p><strong>Color</strong></p> <p><strong></strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_color" target="_blank">Color describes the amount of color the diamond contains.</a>&nbsp; Fancy-colored diamonds such as the deep blue <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_Diamond">Hope Diamond</a> are among the most valuable and sought-after diamonds in the world.</p> <p>When it comes to our 'human diamonds' the value is in their diversity.&nbsp; There is something about them that makes them different and that difference enhances their value.&nbsp; It may be a spark of creativity, a different perspective, or a new frame of reference; but, whatever it is, their uniqueness brings depth to the team and to the organization.&nbsp; </p> <h3>Scoop them up</h3> <p>So in business (and in life) be on the look out for diamonds.&nbsp; Gather as many around you as you can.&nbsp; They are a sure way to add value to what you do and a sure-fire strategy for success. A company filled with diamonds is sure to shine.&nbsp; Don't miss they opportunity to scoop them up when you find them!</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p>P.S.&nbsp; - Thanks to the folks at The Diamond Source (Scottsdale/Los Angeles) for their easy to understand explanation of the Diamond's 4C's.&nbsp; If you want to know more you can find it <a href="http://www.diasource.com/fourcs.htm#cut" target="_blank">here</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style="display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:ba0d00e0-3868-4dd4-ac07-58b0d7bc28e1" class="wlWriterSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker" rel="tag">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose" rel="tag">CorePurpose</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership" rel="tag">Leadership</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Human%20Resources" rel="tag">Human Resources</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Diamonds" rel="tag">Diamonds</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Diamonds%20in%20the%20Rough" rel="tag">Diamonds in the Rough</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Finding%20Great%20People" rel="tag">Finding Great People</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Building%20great%20businesses" rel="tag">Building great businesses</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Teams" rel="tag">Teams</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Success" rel="tag">Success</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/The%20Diamond%20Source" rel="tag">The Diamond Source</a></div>