Nananap’s Daily Question #12 …… Does hiring scare you too?
“… looking back I made a big hiring mistake …”
Nananap’s Daily Question #12 …… Does hiring scare you too?
It should – bleeding edge companies need key people who are BOTH very competent in their field, and are ready for risk and uncertainty …
Let me share a warning story … Some time ago I interviewed Diana for senior management role. As is common now days Diana provided referees, and indeed I rang two referees and got ‘agreeable’ responses. BUT _ I realize now (looking back) – I did not get “Diana was an amazing person to work with” or “I would have her back in the team in a shot”. As it turned out Diana did not fit well in the culture of the entrepreneurial company.
So what have I learnt here about using referees ….
- Referees can help … especially if you listen for what is NOT said, or how much PASSION there is from the referee.
- Even then referee responses need to be considered in light of what kind of company was/is the referee’s company? … what is it’s entrepreneurial culture, and how relevant is it to your company?
I reckon there are a lot more people who can create spreadsheets, than those who can do so, but also live with uncertainty of a start-up, be flexible enough, and retain their sense of humor as well!
Nuf
Simon
