Build Your Own Dream Team

Many of On Deck’s clients are planning for the same thing: HIRING!

Given what we’ve observed in tech over the past 12-18 months, I cannot begin to tell you how excited that makes me to hear. Things can and will turn around, and hopefully hearing the consistent whisper of “Should we hire now?” increases.

I’m often asked what is the top trait, skill, thing to look for when hiring.  

My answer is always the same - Hire people who make you better. 

If you are hiring to put an ass in a seat, worried about building XX amount of pipe by a certain date, throwing people at a problem, or are hiring just to fulfill a set of skills listed in a job description, you are missing a key opportunity as a leader.  

Hire people who make YOU better.  

You do not need to and are not able to be the master of everything. That mindset will set you up for failure.  

Good leaders acknowledge that they do not need to be the best at everything. 

Hire people who: 

- challenge you

- make you think about collaborating differently

- want to be empowered and take ownership 

Not only will their results exceed expectations, but you will be enabled to focus on what drives the business and your professional growth.  Trust me, it is quite refreshing. 

Next time you’re interviewing a candidate, include this qualifying question “Does this candidate make me better?”

If the answer is no, move on….