3 Characteristics Of Rock Star Teammates
Stop hiring for specific skills.Hiring this way almost always overlooks the three most important traits of a strong candidate.There are 3 things that good managers hire for.Of course, sometimes, you really do need a highly trained skill set. There's just no amount of positivity that will substitute for an expertly-trained brain surgeon--but unless you need a super specific, high-stakes skill like this, you're much, much better off starting at these 3 traits:
Aptitude
Do they have the ability to learn and execute the skills they need to be successful?
Attitude
Do they make others around them feel confident, capable, and like excellence is possible? No one can sustain this all the time under all circumstances, that's just faking it. We're just looking at most of the time. What's their common thought habit?
Cultural fit
Culture is not the ping-pong table, the nerf guns, nor the Keurig. Culture is how you treat others when it's hard, when you're tired, and when you're frustrated. Cultural fit on a high-performance team is "do you believe what we believe?" "Do you have similar values as shown by your actions?"Finding these three traits will lead to capturing the right people. Training, mentoring, and supporting them are the things that will keep them with you.
2 Minute Action
Quickly list a few traits of your high-performers.What are the characteristics that make them successful? Pick 3-5.Now rank your other teammates on a 10 point scale for each of these 3-5 characteristics.If anyone is below a 6, you should schedule time to identify/discuss and solve this.Reviews do NOT need to be annual. Make it happen, today.
The Unintuitive Way A Brick Wall Can Show The Future
Lots of people can have a difficult conversation.Lots of people can go for a 4 mile run.Lots of people can overcome a fear.That’s all great.Those experiences tell us what we’re capable of.But what happens next is truly important.
What happens next is how consistently we do these things.
When we conquer new fears everyday, we build a powerful confidence that lets us approach what was once unapproachable.When we run everyday, running becomes easy and we are on to the next challenge.When we are consistently assertive and kind, we develop a reputation of respect and dependability that helps us with later endeavors.
Our daily actions are investments in our future.
Every second counts and every decision matters.My old high-school track coach used to say:“Every practice is like one brick and at the end of the season, you’ll have a brick wall. If you miss one practice, it probably won’t make a difference, but if you make a habit of it, the whole wall will be full of gaps.”
Every day is a brick.
Either you show up and make it happen, or you leave the gap.
2 Minute Action
It takes 2 minutes to visualize your day.Walk through how it will go and rehearse your actions.Prepare for battle!This is your time to suit up and commit to a day of purpose.Pick one brick to lay and make it happen.