A Sign You’re Hiring The Wrong People
Summary
- If you find yourself making rules for obvious behavior, it may be a sign of hiring the wrong people.
- Needing to tell employees not to watch Netflix at work, steal food, or come to events drunk signifies poor fit.
- If you think your hires are not smart, remember the one who hired them might be at fault.
- Use the need for excessive rules as a test to assess if employees are a good fit for the company.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest implementing a simple strategy: Look at the rules you've set. If they're about obvious things, it might be time to rethink your hiring process. Hiring the right people can mean fewer rules because they just "get it." If you're constantly making rules for things like not watching Netflix at work or not being drunk at events, it's a red flag.
A good way of doing this is by assessing your current team. Reflect on who consistently needs reminders of basic rules. Then, evaluate whether these employees align with your company culture and values. It's important to be honest about this assessment.
Next, consider revising your interview process. Identify traits and values that match your company culture and incorporate them into your interview questions. Look for candidates who demonstrate not only skills but also fit in with your company's ethical and behavioral standards.
You could also conduct trial projects with potential hires. This hands-on approach can offer insights into their work habits and whether they respect company norms without needing explicit rules.
Finally, foster an open dialogue with your team. Encourage them to share when they notice things going off track. This can help catch misalignments early and maintain a respectful and professional workspace. Always focus on hiring people who naturally align with your company's way of working. This helps reduce the need for unnecessary rules and creates a more self-managed team.