Hiring as Curation

How do you assess, for yourself, the qualities of the people that work for you, with you, and around you?  This, of course, is based on who you are and how you do your work. Each person will want to do this in a different way.  Begin with an assessment of your own needs and beliefs.  

You can go with the “norm”..  Hardworking, Dedicated, Organized. Prompt.  You can count on the fact that those things will get you what you need.  Someone who will work hard and do what you tell them! But it is rare that we have a position that doesn’t require some level of passion, innovation, overachievement or patience.  You need someone that connects with you in the necessary way to further the position. To do this, you need to widen your lens, be inclusive and open to those that don’t meet the “norm.”  

Build a case for each person that has potential in the hiring process.  Does the MBA outweigh the 10 years of experience in the field? Does a long work history outweigh the fast riser?  Once you’ve built the case on paper, consider the all important intangibles. Does this person have a passion for your work?  Do they have experience in other areas of the field that are valuable? Do you like talking to them? Do you want to talk to them every day for a long time? Remember, people can learn tasks.  What they can’t often learn, are intangibles.  

Be thoughtful about who gets an opportunity to be in your world.  Remember that you are doing more than adding another player to your team.  You are curating your organization and the experience for your clients.  Use care.