I was scanning an article in FastCompany about a Chinese Entrepreneur starting up a computer animation studio and noted this quote below which talks about the quality of people you employ:
This theme is not new but its worthy of revisiting and answers more fully a question that Elizabeth has asked regarding hiring the best talent for a new niche software company she is launching, ‘So is the best practice to build a great business through only hiring A-Class people’? And let me place an additional view expressed by John Wooden, a renowned USA basketball coach, on the table as well. I cannot recall which of his books I was reading but the statement that has stuck with me was something like, ‘don’t keep wishing for the team you don’t have, work with the team you do have’.
So the theory goes, A-Class people attract A-Class people and B-Class will only attract C and D class. The underlying principle is pretty simple, the best only want to work for the best and therefore will only be attracted by them. If you don’t employ only the best people and allow your company to engage someone who is B-Class because you could not find nor attract an A-Class person then it is all downhill from there. Following the theory forward I guess then that if you yourself are B-Class you’re doomed or maybe you will just think that you are A-Class and not know (apologies for this humour).
The theory in my experience is solid, hire the best and they will attract the best. But thats not where the problem is, the problem is what does an A-Class person look like and is it possible to fill a business with only A-Class people or will all that A-Class material in the one place clash and implode. This is where the theory breaks down in practice. Many business people don’t recognise what an A-Class person looks like. Also, and it may be a horse and cart question (which comes first), l’m not sure if your start with the person or the idea (purpose). I think its probably the person as they are the one who will generate the idea (purpose) that is the seed for the business and then the people will follow. Where’s that idea (purpose) come from, well it comes from you.
Point one: attracting A-Class people starts with you not the first person you hire and starts with the idea, but hopefully the purpose, which has launched your business. Is your idea (purpose) worthy of the attention of A-Class people?
In looking to recruit A-Class people the search often turns to their work experience, the big name companies they have worked for, and their impressive academic qualifications. From these factors there is an intent to discern their achievements and what they have been able to deliver at their previous places of employment. There will also be the psychological testing to assist in flushing out their strengths and weaknesses, and of course they will need to fit the culture of the company which is seeking to engage them. This l believe is the traditional path but I do not believe that this alone will yield the A-Class talent sought nor that it is the right place to start. In seeking to recruit the best look firstly to character, then secondly to competency and thirdly compatibility with your organisation. Character is I think at least 50% if not 60% of the equation. You can employ the most talented person on the planet but if their character is flawed they will destroy your business. A quote by John Wooden, ‘Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character.’
Point Two: recruit on character first.
There is a formula that l describe as the Competitive Engine of a Business and it determines the strength and ability of an organisation to compete effectively. The core strength of this engine consists of of five elements – worthy leadership, employee trust, compelling vision and the right culture all wrapped up in purpose. If the leadership team are not worthy then the competitiveness of the organisation is weakened at its core and can never be as effective as it could be. As the business grows so to must your leadership team to ensure their influence touches all aspects of the business but all leaders must be worthy. What does a worthy leader look like, well they must possess the following traits:
- Wisdom: to enable them to quickly recognise circumstances in the business environment and lead necessary change expediently
- Sincerity and Humanity: so that participants in the business will know they are committed to the visions and strategies expressed, that you will support and reward them in their efforts to achieve the vision and that you understand the effort required of them
- Courage: to act and take the risks to enable the business to achieve its goals
- Discipline: to enforce the rules within the business in pursuit of the vision.
The negative traits that you want to avoid at all costs included Recklessness, Cowardice, Impulsiveness, False Pride and weal compassion.
