Hiring For Humility

Technical skills, flexibility & adaptability, learning ability, authenticity, problem-solving ability, decision-making ... these are common, "blue chip" skills and traits that we all seek when we interview and hire. However, having begun my recruiting career in a startup that facilitated open exchanges of ideas - and progressing to recruiting for other startups in addition to global Fortune 100 multinationals - there's one trait that's simply embedded in me to seek. It's a trait for which I recommend my hiring managers specifically scout, and/or one that has been a proven "cherry on top" if they haven't previously mentioned they want it: humility. 

Why humility? A few reasons (and I'm sure there's more - feel free to comment)

(1) It indicates a strong collaborator and positive culture-maker. I'm going to assume you're already assessing confidence and leadership ability. Humility balances those, and helps prevent you from hiring a "diva" drama-maker type or a "my-way-or-the-highway mack truck" type. That balance is critical to foster an inclusive environment when it comes to decision-making, communication, recognition and processes. 

(2) It, by itself, is an indicator of confidence. If someone can't pass the baton to another who's talented; can't laugh at themselves, admit a mistake or be vulnerable on occasion, it may be due to a lack of confidence.

(3) It indicates potential for growth, performance an innovation. Ever hear leaders say, "I want to hire someone who can eventually take my job and run with it?" Or, consider the Steve Jobs quote: "It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do: we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do." The common thread is humility. A company won't innovate, compete and grow if they don't hire smarter and more talented people to drive better and better ideas. And they won't accomplish much unless they have the humility to let those talented people make their ideas come to life (which likely involves accepting other ideas, getting out of the way, or taking direction). 

I think interviews are really cool because there are often 2-3 interesting things that surface from someone's answer to a question (or a question they ask the employer). Be sure you're paying attention to all the indicators of (or a lack of) humility. Or just ask them, "When did you last laugh at yourself?" and see what they say and where it goes!

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