Eliminate the "Warm Bodies"

Nearly every industry is short staffed. This has resulted in many industries developing the mindset of "hiring a warm body." Hiring managers with this attitude figure "We need someone.... anyone... so let's bring this person who is looking for work on board." Essentially, lowering one's standards.

This way of hiring often results in a workplace of mediocrity. This frequently cascades into a work group with poor attitudes resulting in poor overall morale. Then, turnover increases and so the manager decides not to provide adequate training ("Why train them? They're going to leave anyway."). As you can see, it's a slippery slope. Disengaged workers with a poor attitude drive away the great employees.

There is another way.

What if you approached hiring like you approach marketing? When you market, you are "selling" your practice to someone who needs what you have to offer. When you are hiring, you must also "sell your practice" to the interviewee. This means putting your best foot forward and setting high standards regarding who you bring on board. When you do, you convey that you also expect the best of your new hires.

It's always better to wait for the right person rather than to just fill a gap in your team. Being particular about who you hire is arguably the single most important factor in the culture you create for your practice. When you've cultivated a great culture, you'll attract even more of the best and brightest. Excellence breeds excellence.

Next time you find you need to add to your team, set your standards high and don't settle for just any warm body.