I just finished writing a recommendation for someone on Linkedin that reminded me of what is absolutely critical when considering someone for your team. When I hire someone I am always looking for three major things that are very important to me. If any one of these is missing then I know no matter how qualified they may be in the other two areas it is still a no deal for me:
- Character—According to all the research Jim Collins has done this qualification has moved to the top of the list. When someone has the right kind of character you will not have to worry about having to over manage them they are self motivated and will only settle for excellence in everything they do. Talk is cheap in this area and I want someone who has demonstrated over time they have the foundation that can withstand the problems that will surely come in the future.
- Competency—There is no doubt that everyone you add to your team needs to be qualified to fill the positions you have available. The more technical and specialized the skill set the more demanding you must be in this area. However, in Collin’s research and my own personal experience, if I find the right person I will hire them first and figure out what they are going to do later.
- Chemistry—The clear issue here is how well this person will fit into the team dynamic that is already in place. I always in the interview process find a way to get a person into a casual environment so I can observe them and see who they really are unscripted. I want people with a heavy dose of personal humility and equal amount of personal determination that do not care who gets the credit but will make sure it all gets done.
The people who are going to do great things in this new global environment are going to be the ones with the best people on their team. There is no greater responsibility for the leader than making sure you get the right people on the bus and the wrong ones off as quickly as possible.
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