Talent Dynamics: Beyond the Resume

When considering your next new hire or an internal promotion, look beyond basic job skills to the positive attributes that can make a difference to your team and influence the trajectory of your business. These qualities transcend technical expertise, focusing instead on adaptability, creative problem-solving, and the potential to add genuine value to the group. This is good advice for many of your staff positions, but critical for someone who’s going be on your senior team or that you’ll rely on them to be your next top sales performer.

Learning Agility in a Transformative World

In a transformative industry, learning agility, and collaborative problem-solving skills are two of the sought after attributes. The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is crucial. Look for individuals who have demonstrated intellectual curiosity and have a track record of taking on new challenges and learning new technology. Go beyond the technical expertise that makes them qualified for the job, look for those individuals who thrive in a team environment, are good communicators, and work well with teams to solve problems. Thinking about all the changes to the automated workflows your company has developed, as well as the technology used to enhance the customer experience, being able to learn quickly and adapt his vital for anyone who is affecting those initiatives.

The Power of Collaborative Problem-Solving

Over and above their technical experience, seek out individuals with high emotional intelligence that can help create a positive team environment, can handle conflict effectively, and can navigate the interpersonal dynamics of working within groups. They should have demonstrated success in taking the initiative to proactively identify opportunities, and not just wait for instructions. These team members relish in proposing solutions, acting and owning of the results of their efforts. Quite frankly, you need individuals who want to make things happen, and not wonder what happened.

Avoid the Echo Chamber

The last thing you need as a leader is to have a room full of people just telling you what you want to hear. Look for those candidates who bring unique and diverse skills, experiences, and a point of view that compliments and ultimately expands the teams existing capabilities. Alternative views are welcomed, discuss and debate them appropriately and then move forward together with the plan. Think one plus one equals three.

Elevating Team Potential

If this individual is slated to be on your senior team, you need folks who have the ability, desire, and skill sets necessary to help take the team to the next level. While they share your core values, they can also bring in new ideas to help the team grow and evolve to ultimately play to your fullest potential. These team members are not satisfied with the status quo and can work together to help pave the way to your next level of growth.

The Unflappable Performer

I described an operations manager recently as being unflappable. He just seemed to be cool, calm and collective at all times. Realistically it may have been akin to the duck in the pond where everything looked serene above surface, but they were paddling like heck below the waterline! There will always be obstacles, and you should be prepared to dust off your Plan B, or Plan C – with grace. Look for individuals who have demonstrated how they persevered and overcame professional obstacles.

Communication Across Organizational Levels

Some of the best leaders and managers that I’ve run across have had that uncanny ability to speak comfortably at multiple levels within an organization. Whether it be the person packing boxes in the fulfillment area, or at a board meeting, they were equally confident and inviting in holding those conversations.

Remember, these attributes go beyond what's typically listed on a resume. During the interview process, use behavioral and situational questions to draw out these qualities, and consider multiple rounds of interviews or practical assessments that can reveal these deeper characteristics. Good luck with this and keep me posted on how you're progressing.

Mike Philie can help validate what’s working and what may need to change in your business. Changing the trajectory of a business is difficult to do while simultaneously operating the core competencies. Mike provides strategy and insight to ambitious owners and CEOs in the Graphic Communications Industry by providing direct and realistic insight, not being afraid to voice the unpopular opinion and helping leaders navigate change through a common sense and practical approach. Learn more at www.philiegroup.com, LinkedIn or email at mphilie@philiegroup.com.