Adding another coach or employee can be a very exciting experience for a small business owner, but it can also be a disaster. I have made many great decisions and some minor mistakes in the hiring process. Each person, regardless of the outcomes, has provided benefit to OCF in his or her own way.
So once you know you can afford to hire someone, what do you look for in a new hire?
Here are some of things I like to look for-
- Write out every employee you have strengths and weaknesses, including yours. Be honest, this is just for you. Then look to see if the hire has strengths where you and your company are weak. Many times we look to hire people just like us, but in reality we need balance. A yin to our yang must coexist with the personality of the new hire and the current staff.
- Share your vision with them, and ask them where they can see themselves fitting in or adding value to it. If you don’t buy their answer, don’t hire them. It’s that simple.
- Have him or her meet your team, and talk with each one of them. I’m all about team cohesion versus looking for a sole talent. Even though this is appealing to many entrepreneurs, in the end the talented person that cannot work with the team and make them better will be a toxin to your business.
- Be patient once you hire them. Sometimes good things take time. Allow them to develop in their journey just like you did in yours. There was time when you were new too.
Hiring new staff is an honor in my opinion. It is a great responsibility as well. Use your best judgment, and find the piece of the puzzle your business has been missing to get to that next level.
#CreateExcellence
Angelo Sisco