Fall Sports and Hiring: What They Have in Common Might Surprise You

I love this time of year for sports! Baseball playoffs, college football, and NFL... what a time! You may not be a sports fan, but you probably understand the concept of momentum. In baseball or football, a team that’s been struggling can suddenly start making progress—whether it’s a player getting on base or the QB moving the ball down the field. The energy shifts, the fans start cheering, and everyone feels like something big is about to happen. In the war for talent, purpose-driven companies have the power to create similar momentum. This momentum can significantly impact the morale and success of a team or department.

Small Wins: The Key to Gaining Momentum

In today’s competitive market, hiring companies often feel the pressure to make big, sweeping changes to stand out and win top talent. However, the real advantage lies in consistently achieving small wins. Like compound interest, these minor victories gradually build, creating a snowball effect that leads to larger successes.

Consider your recruitment process. A small improvement, like simplifying the job application or sending timely, personalized communications, may seem insignificant at first glance. But these actions make it easier and more enjoyable for candidates to engage with your company. Over time, they can lead to a stronger talent pipeline and a better candidate experience, which in turn boosts your hiring success rate.

One Step at a Time: Recruitment and Retention

Winning the war for talent requires persistence and focus on incremental progress. For purpose-driven companies, this means looking at each step of the hiring and retention process as an opportunity for improvement. You don’t need to overhaul your entire strategy overnight. Instead, focus on getting the basics right—one step at a time.

For example, regular feedback sessions with employees or small, consistent recognition programs can significantly boost retention. Employees who feel valued and heard are more likely to stay and grow within the organization. These small actions, taken consistently, contribute to a positive workplace culture that compounds over time, increasing employee engagement and loyalty.

The Extra Degree of Effort

Sam Parker’s 212°: The Extra Degree illustrates how an extra bit of effort can turn good into great. At 211°, water is hot, but at 212°, it boils—and that extra degree of heat creates steam, which powers machines. In recruitment, it’s the small, additional actions—the follow-up call, the personal touch in an email—that make all the difference. Going that extra degree with candidates shows them that your company cares, which can set you apart from the competition.

Building a Snowball of Talent Development

Investing in your employees’ continuous development is another way to build momentum. Just like compound interest builds wealth, small, regular investments in employee growth pay off significantly over time. Hiring managers can create learning opportunities through mentorship, workshops, or skill-building sessions. These initiatives may seem small individually, but together they enhance the team's capabilities and contribute to long-term organizational success.

When companies focus on continuous improvement and development, they not only retain their best employees but also attract new talent. A company known for investing in its people creates a positive reputation in the market, making it easier to win the war for talent.

Small Wins, Big Payoff

In the battle for top talent, purpose-driven companies don’t need to rely on big, dramatic changes. Instead, they can focus on small, consistent actions that build momentum. Whether it’s improving candidate communication, recognizing employees regularly, or going that extra degree of effort, these small wins add up to create a snowball effect. Over time, this momentum helps companies attract and retain the talent they need to succeed in a competitive market.

-by Ruben Garcia