"We are never in lack of money. We lack people with dreams, who can die for those dreams."
--- Jack Ma
Hiring the right people who can do the work as well as become a good fit for the company is one of the greatest challenges of all businesses. As business owners or leaders, we all want people like ourselves, people who are passionate about the work, who care about the customers and the business, and who will perform well even when no one else is watching. But unless cloning is perfected in our lifetime, it just isn't gonna happen.
James Cash Penney, better known for his department stores, JC Penney, is often quoted as the first to say, "I'd rather hire a man with a great attitude than one with just the right skills. I can train for skills, I can't train for attitude." When we hire folks to work in our business, we seek those who have gumption, stick-to-itiveness, are self-motivated and have great attitudes. Any technical stuff or other skills, we can teach, but it is so important to have the foundational base there first before moving on.
"In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you."
--- Warren Buffet
To find those folks with great attitudes, begin with the people you already have on board. Go to your employee or employees who already have what you are seeking and ask them if they know others who are like them. They will know by now what kind of person you are looking for. Put them on the hunt for a quality person with a good attitude and then reward them for finding the right person.
"The first thing you look for when searching for a great employee is somebody with a personality that fits with your company culture. Most skills can be learned, but it is difficult to train people on their personality."
--- Richard Branson
Next, make note of the people you meet in your everyday business. If the delivery person is always upbeat, greets you personally, and has a great attitude, start a conversation with him or her. If you're still excited about them, let them know you are looking to fill a position within your company and ask if they are interested. This simple conversation is free and you don't even have to post an advertisement anywhere.
Also, when at conventions or association meetings, make a mental note of the people you encounter. Even if they are happily employed elsewhere, consider what it would be like to have that person at your company. Then strike up a conversation. You never know if a person is considering leaving their employment for a variety of reasons. Plus, even if they don't come on board then, they may consider it and contact you a year or two down the road. It never hurts to ask.
"If you hire people just because they can do a job, they'll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they'll work for you with blood, sweat, and tears."
--- Simon Sinek
Finally, if you do decide to hire the traditional route by posting an ad online somewhere, make sure you conduct multiple interviews, so that you know you are getting the right person. Hiring and training is one of the most expensive things your business does. Take the hunt seriously by checking and then triple-checking-out the candidate. Getting someone with a great attitude will save you thousands down the road.
