Never judge a book by its cover. I know it is a cliche saying but time after time I am always reminded of how true this statement is.
Look beyond the surface. A great person might really not be so great after all. What looks like an awful product might soon be the next million dollar idea. That person that comes across as a bumbling fool might actually one of the most well-read and intellectual people you'll meet. You never know, so don't assume anything.
Many times at work I hired people thinking they would be great only to be disappointed in them. Other times people I wrote off ended up developing into fantastic employees. All through the process if I had negative assumptions I kept them to myself. I never wanted to burn any bridges.
The lesson here is simple: Leave your mind and your options open. You will be surprised. Things are not how they always appear.
