Leaders - Stop Hiring Employees Like You Buy Computers
Hiring the right values fit individual with the appropriate skill set is a big challenge for leaders. It will only get harder as the boomer generation begins to retire. Let’s put this in context of a consumer purchase of a home computer.
Can you remember the last time you went into a store to buy a new computer? Did you know what you were looking for? Did you have a clear idea of the capabilities, the features and the benefits it would provide to you? Did you know what it could do? Did you think about the computer lifecycle? Many of you took the recommendation of the sales clerk, made your purchase and took it home. You knew that it came with some basic programs that the clerk told you about, right? Once you got it home, you unpacked it, plugged it in and wanted to start using it immediately without ever reading the manuals, right?
I would suspect that the above scenario is a rough depiction of many computer purchases. The reality is that many computers have a wealth of programs and capabilities that never get utilized because you never know they are there, you’re afraid to explore the possibilities and venture beyond your comfort zone or you won’t ask for help. How can you get or make the most of this new resource if you don’t know the full extent of its capabilities?
When leaders hire employees, the same thing happens. You get a resume, conduct an interview and based on what the sales clerk (candidate) tells you, you make your purchase. Oftentimes you purchase without a clear idea of the full capabilities, features or benefits the new hire can bring to the company. You probably don’t look beyond the programs (skill sets) that you want them to perform and end up missing a wealth of other resources that could benefit your organization. Did you ever consider their lifecycle? How you might be able to rotate them to cross-train your force?
What can you do?
- During pre-hire phase, determine what other areas of the organization need strengthening. List the necessary skill sets or attitudes.
- During the interview phase, ask the candidates what other areas of your organization interest them. Ask them if they have skills sets that could benefit any other business unit in your organization and if they would be willing to venture out to other areas should the opportunity arise.
- Train new hires that they can perform a variety of tasks, not just what they were hired to do. Explain that their role and pay are not based on the time they give, but the value they bring; efficiency, productivity, creativity and profits.
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Wesley Ford is known as That Value Guy. He is a leadership, retention and technology expert, professional speaker and consultant who helps develop your leadership skills while getting employees to retain you.