In Search of Rock-Stars and Geniuses
Hiring a new person into your team is a big step for a small business and if that person is going to have responsibility for a key area of your business it’s massive. Over the years it’s become common place for tech and creative people to think of themselves as something special. We’ve all met them – self-proclaimed rockstars and creative geniuses!
So if you’re really sure you want a rockstar or a genius then how do you make sure they are at least a little grounded? I talked to some of our clients about what they look for when filling a key tech or creative role and drew up a wish list:
1. A healthy balance between true ability and arrogance.
Having a good story is one thing but too much trumpet blowing is just plain noisy!
2. Actions speak louder than words.
There is nothing that sells a prospective employee more than a good portfolio.
3. A good set of priorities.
A developer should care about the plumbing and a designer needs to get the client’s big picture.
4. The right attitude.
Rather than blaming everyone else for their past they take responsibility and move on.
5. Balance again, between loving what they do and having a life.
You need a specialist to absolutely love what they do but will they add to the team if they only know how to code?
6. Show a little focus.
If their CV is too full of technical skills then you have to question how much depth they have in any one of them.
7. Willingness to learn from others.
Nothing stands still in our world so for someone to stay relevant they have to be open to ideas from outside.
8. They respect you and you respect them.
Two in one here – you don’t want them to think you as a mere mortal and equally you don’t want to be treating them like a monkey.
Recruiting great people is only one aspect of building a high performing team involves. You need to be juggling many different balls so take a look at how breatheHR can help ground some of them.
