Hiring the Best

At the end of the day, the success of an in-plant is determined by the quality of its people, which is determined by the hiring process. An article in a recent Printing Industries Association of Southern California newsletter lists several things managers should avoid doing when seeking new employees:

• Hiring people just like you. You need a diverse team with a wide mixture of talents and skills to succeed. Don’t look only for employees with the same background that you have.
• Hanging on to bad hires. Don’t be afraid to admit when someone you brought on board isn’t working out. The embarrassment of admitting a mistake is less damaging than letting a poor fit remain on your team.
• Coaching the wrong skills. Some managers focus on small improvements in current skills when coaching, and neglect the bigger picture: what the team as a whole needs. Coach employees on strengths that let them make a bigger contribution to your organization’s success, not just technical skills.
• Refusing to change course. When you make a decision, you may be inclined to stick to it no matter what to show your determination and commitment. That can lead to long-term difficulties. Be prepared to re-evaluate your decisions and make changes when necessary.
• Reliving the past. Just because you once did a job that an employee now performs doesn’t mean you know everything about it. Let go of your experience and let your workforce try new things as long as they lead to greater productivity.
• Using pressure as an excuse. You may be tempted to cut corners when you’re under pressure to deliver. Learn to do what’s right even when the heat is on, and your employees will respect and trust you more.