What Do Google, Uber, LinkedIn, and Microsoft Have in Common?
Probably more than you might think, but most importantly, all four began as startup companies. Each of these giants had the right people in the right place as their businesses grew, which was crucial to their success.
While we can’t guarantee these tips will catapult you to the top of the hypothetical growth leaderboard overnight, understanding the importance of placing the right talent in the right roles before you begin scaling will provide countless benefits for your organization—no matter its size. According to McKinsey & Company, companies with successful talent alignment outperform their competitors 2 to 1.
1. Determine Your Critical Roles Ahead of Time
To build a successful team, start by identifying the roles that will be most crucial to your growth. Determine what a candidate needs to succeed in these positions, whether it’s specific skills, education, or personality traits, and focus your talent search accordingly.
Equally important is considering your company culture. No matter how impressive a candidate may look on paper, they might not be the right fit for your office environment. Trust your instincts on this one.
2. Don’t Rush the Hiring Process
As the leader of a growing business, you’re likely wearing many hats, making this step challenging. However, consider the long-term benefits of taking the time to hire the right candidates. The most significant of these benefits is the confidence in knowing you’ve made the best decision for your company’s sustained health.
That said, don’t delay hiring key leaders for too long, or you may find yourself in a crisis. Develop a clear plan to fill these C- and D-level positions and stick to it.
3. Prioritize Diversity
In 2019, top-quartile companies (in terms of ethnic and cultural diversity) outperformed those in the fourth quartile by 36% in profitability. Introducing diversity to your team brings a richness of perspectives, increased profitability, and higher productivity. Moreover, diversity isn’t just a business advantage—it’s also something that many candidates actively seek out.
4. Once You’ve Found the Right People… Keep Them with You
Employee retention is just as important as hiring the right people. Here are a few strategies to maintain engagement as your business expands:
- Creative Referral or Benefits Programs: Encourage your team to refer top talent by offering incentives.
- Provide Regular Employee Training: Invest in your employees’ professional growth with ongoing training opportunities.
- Offer Paid Time Off Beyond Vacation: Consider providing paid time off for reasons such as maternity leave or sabbaticals for long-term team members.
- Conduct Quarterly or Monthly Employee Reviews: Regular feedback sessions help employees stay aligned with company goals and feel valued.
No matter where you are in the scaling process, partnering with a staffing and recruiting expert can offer substantial value. Whether you need to accelerate your hiring process or free up time to focus on growing your business, American Workforce Group, Inc. is here to help. contact us today to see what we can do for you.