Cheat Code to End Culture Cannibalism
Stop leaving your workplace culture to chance!
Subject to people’s mood swings or charitable inclination.
Some office climates can feel like ecosystems where people feed on the young of their own species.
DUE DILIGENCE-MISS
I fervently believe every company MUST do a better job of hiring people who are natural lifelong learners. Folks who are coachable. Be aware, this has zilch to do with academic pedigree!
With the right approach you can identify culture vultures before they join the firm. And help to reform them. Want to know where a frequently underutilized opportunity hides out? In thorough reference checks with thoughtful questions that solicit anecdotal telling.
Because people choose references who like and are invested in them, you need a penetrating strategy to uncover information that allows a fair read on their attributes.
Here is a question I love…and you absolutely must make things conversational versus rapid-fire inquisition style probing:
“I appreciate your insights. Jim appears to have done good work on your team. Since we all have varying growth opportunities, what can you tell me about Jim’s? What are his development opportunities, and where would he benefit from my mentorship, so he can thrive?”
See that? A positive approach to uncovering meaningful insights as you build your teams.
INTENTIONALITY
Hire knowingly!
Do:
Have informed tactics for unveiling who you’re getting and to round out people where they might be weak, when they come aboard.
Have real dialogue with prospective hires about desirable qualities, and what can lead to success and positive outcomes for the individual.
Don’t:
Squander the due diligence and your standard-setting window.
Be intentional about knowing who you’re hiring AND your strategy to develop winners. It’ll be contagious. And you will prime each hire to expect your investment in accessing their best contributions and desire for them to excel.
Unleash on your organization excited, turned-on people, pregnant with anticipation. Then follow through on obligations. All uphill!