One of the most important things to remember about hiring is that it's about a whole lot more than just filling a seat. Instead, it's about getting the right people in the right seat. Remember that the people you're hiring shouldn't just be high value employees, though that is always a primary concern. They also have to be people that you'll actually want to work with for hours a day for the foreseeable future. These are people who you will likely see more often than your own family, which is why the process is one that you definitely want to give the appropriate amount of thought to. When hiring for your business, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Do They Fit Into Your Company Culture?
One of the most important things to consider when hiring is your company culture and the way a certain potential employee may or may not fit into that image. If you feel like someone doesn't fit in well with your company, chances are that they'll feel the same way. Making sure that a person fits in with established company culture is also a great way to breed trust.
Are They Working Within Their Greatest Skill and Passion?
According to the book "Unique Ability: Creating the Life You Want," everyone has inside them their own unique talent. It's something that they can do better than anyone else. One of the most important things to remember about business is that employees who are using their unique ability in service of your own corporate goals tend to be the same employees who are continually inspired.
They're always motivated to develop their craft even more and strive to get better with each passing day. This allows them to make a significantly larger contribution to your company as a whole as opposed to someone who is just using your business as a stepping stone for career advancement.
Are Their Roles Clearly Defined?
It's also important to remember that the burden of being a great employee doesn't rest 100% with those candidates, however. Some of that burden is also on your own shoulders. If employee roles aren't clearly defined, you can't hope to put the right person in the right seat. You need to make sure that expectations are both defined and communicated. This is one of the many reasons why business coaches will usually recommend changing problem areas or eliminating certain positions altogether as a way to gain traction in this regard.
If you've placed the right person in the right seat in your business, they will be truly invaluable. You'll have a hard time picturing any other human being filling that position. More than that, the sign that you've made the right hiring choice is that if you removed that valued employee, other areas of your business would be negatively affected in a dramatic way. That's a sure-fire sign that you're on the right track.
