As a business leader, I've made my share of mistakes when it comes to hiring. However, there's one mistake I've learned from and no longer make: focusing solely on whether an entry-level employee can do their immediate job. While it's essential that they can perform their duties, there's a more important question to ask yourself during the hiring process.
The Crucial Question
When hiring an entry-level team member, ask yourself:
Can this person, if developed, lead this team within about 24 months?
This question is critical because as your company grows and scales, you'll need people who can step up and take on leadership roles.
Real-Life Example
At my company, StoryBrand, we experienced rapid growth, and I found myself in situations where:
We hired an assistant for a specific division.
The person they assisted needed to move up and build a new department.
The obvious choice to replace them was the assistant.
However, in some cases, the assistant lacked the necessary skills to run the division, such as:
Strategic thinking
Visionary leadership
People skills
This experience taught me the importance of hiring entry-level employees with the potential to grow into leadership positions.
The Benefits of Hiring for Long-Term Potential
When you hire someone who can run the department they're entering within a short period:
You can promote from within, which is cost-effective.
You ensure customer satisfaction, especially if the role is customer-facing.
You build a strong foundation for your company's future growth.
How to Implement This Hiring Strategy
During the interview process, be careful not to set the expectation that the person will become the boss within two years. Instead, focus on assessing their potential for growth and leadership.
Conclusion
Today's business made simple tip: only hire people who have the potential to run the department you're hiring them into. If they can lead the team, they can handle everything else that comes with the entry-level position.
By thinking long-term when hiring, you'll set your company up for success and build a team that can grow with your business.