Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Team Player Tops Job Skills
Marisa Keegan, Fistful of Talent blog, wrote this statement about the age-old debate of whether it’s best to hire for attitude or skills:
“[I]f you’re like most companies out there who think you care about what your customers want, I’m challenging you to see your company through your customers’ eyes. Are you really giving them the service that will keep them coming back for more? If not, it’s time to re-evaluate your hiring practices and maybe it’s time to ... start hiring for attitude instead of talent.”
In the September issue of Guitar Player there is a poll on the top attributes bands (think, businesses) are looking for in band members (think, employees). Here are the results:
TEAM PLAYER 53.55%
Good Personality 23.50%
Chops 10.66%
Ambition 6.01%
(Remaining stats are specific to the music industry.)
Repeatedly, there is growing evidence that being a team player trumps hiring for skills.
Yes, you need to ensure every team member is competent at their job but don’t stop there. Mike Faith, CEO of Headsets.com, states “We place attitude and personality over skills nearly all the time. We can train skills, but changing personality is a pretty tough job.”
It is much more important to find the person who will enhance the team building and culture of ownership you have in place in your department or organization. Why? Better-fitting team players improve internal operations but, more importantly, they help bottom line results by turning customers into corporate cheerleaders that drive repeat business and referrals.
Take a look at your customers - or lack of them - as they are an indication of what is going on with your team.
Until next time...Lead like you mean it!
Marjorie