Hiring talent: Potential rather than Skills

Hiring for potential over skills has been a topic of discussion in the business world for quite some time, and for good reason. While skills are important, they can be learned, whereas potential is innate within an individual. When we prioritize potential over skills, we open ourselves up to a much broader pool of candidates who have the drive, passion, and ability to learn and adapt quickly.

At its core, hiring for potential means that we're looking for people who have the raw talent and motivation to succeed in a particular role, even if they don't have the exact skills we're after. And when we focus on potential, we create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, as we can bring in people from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences, who may not have had the chance to develop the specific skills we're after, but who have unique perspectives and abilities that can add serious value to our team.

Here are just a few of the benefits of hiring for potential:

1. A more adaptable team: When we hire for potential, we create a team that is better equipped to adapt to the changing needs of our organization and our world. We can bring in people who have a natural ability to learn and adapt quickly, which means we can respond more effectively to challenges and opportunities.
2. A more diverse and inclusive workplace: By focusing on potential over skills, we can build a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We can bring in people from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences, who may not have had the chance to develop the specific skills we're after, but who have unique perspectives and abilities that can add serious value to our team.
3. A stronger talent pool: When we prioritize potential, we open ourselves up to a much broader pool of candidates who have the drive and motivation to succeed in a particular role, even if they don't have the exact skills we're after. This means we can find hidden talent and build a stronger, more resilient team.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "But JP, skills are important too!" And you're absolutely right. Skills are important, and they should be considered when hiring. But when we prioritize potential, we create a stronger, more adaptable team that is better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.

So, the next time you're hiring, consider looking for potential rather than just focusing on skills. You might be surprised at the talent and diversity you can find. And remember, a more adaptable, diverse, and talented team means a stronger, more successful organization.