When hiring a new employee, it's important to make sure the candidate is a culture fit and that they have the necessary skills and experience for the role. However, even when these boxes are checked, companies often find themselves dealing with an all-too-familiar scenario: a promising hire who just doesn't seem to work out.
Hiring mistakes are not only costly but also frustrating for both employers and employees. It's a cycle of unmet expectations, wasted resources, and missed opportunities. So why do these mistakes happen even when a candidate seems perfect on paper and in interviews?
The answer may lie in something often overlooked: the alignment between the candidate’s natural working strengths and the specific demands of the role. Patrick Lencioni, in his book The 6 Types of Working Genius, identifies that every individual possesses different natural talents, or "Geniuses," that drive their effectiveness and satisfaction at work. These Geniuses aren't about technical skills or cultural fit—they're about how people naturally operate and contribute to a team's success.
Imagine placing a highly skilled and culturally aligned individual into a role that requires a Genius of Wonder—the ability to ask questions and ponder possibilities—when their strengths lie in Galvanizing—rallying people around an idea. Despite their qualifications, this mismatch can lead to disengagement, frustration, and ultimately, a hiring mistake.
When making hiring decisions, it’s crucial to recognize that the right hire is not just about fitting into the company’s culture or having the right skills. It’s about ensuring that the role taps into the person's Working Genius.
What if, instead of relying solely on traditional hiring metrics, we also considered how a candidate’s natural strengths align with the role? What if we could identify potential mismatches before they become costly mistakes?
This approach isn’t about adding another layer of complexity to the hiring process. Rather, it’s about gaining clarity and insight into what truly drives performance and satisfaction. By understanding and leveraging the principles of the Working Genius framework, organizations can make more informed hiring decisions, reduce turnover, and create teams that thrive.
The impact of these considerations goes beyond avoiding hiring mistakes. It can lead to a more engaged workforce, where employees are not just fitting in but flourishing—because they are working in roles that align with their natural strengths.
If you've made hiring mistakes, I'm here for you. With the right tools and insights, these mistakes can be corrected and prevented.
Could this be the answer you've been looking for?
Let's chat about bringing the Working Genius Assessments to your workplace.
It's the fastest and simplest way to help your team thrive. -KM
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