In 1911, British explorer, Ernest Shackleton departed to become the first to navigate and reach the South Pole. Legend has it that Shackelton placed the following advertisement in a local paper to recruit his team, “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, and safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.”
Shackleton had been on other explorations and there was no reason to sugarcoat the truth of the hardships that they would certainly face. If only employers were as self-aware and honest with potential employees today. The workforce is not a safe place and anyone saying otherwise isn’t aware of the snares, hardships and the uncertainties that face every industry.
The 5 C’s of Recruiting An All-Star Team
Clarity – What does it actually take to be successful in your industry? Do you know the answer to this question? In the business brokerage world, it is imperative to get to 15 listings in the first 90 days. If a new business broker can achieve this feat then their chances of success grow exponentially.
There is a bottom line in every job! If you are recruiting a team and you are unclear as to the expectations then imagine how that filters down throughout the organization. It is required of great leaders to speak with great clarity so that those that you recruit know emphatically what the bottom line is!
Challenge – Shackleton certainly understood that motivation for the type of team he needed to be successful. People want to be part of something that matters, something big and something that is meaningful. A wise leader clearly states the obstacles and challenges.
There is something that lays in the heart and soul of every man and women. This “something” is the desire to be pushed and challenged to give their best and to lay it all on the line for a worthwhile purpose. People do not like boring, mundane and complacency.
When you recruit, raise the bar and challenge those you are bringing on to your team.
Capacity – No matter how hard you and I try, we can’t get more than five gallons of water into a five-gallon bucket. If you want great people on your team you had better recruit learners. Some people are born with or simply develop a negative disposition. I call them the, “Couldn’t, shouldn’t, can’t, won’t and never will crowd.”
On the other hand, there are people that clearly see opportunity when it is clearly presented. Hire learners at every turn and you will see the capacity of your organization grow!
Chemistry – As a young man I was very naive. I thought everyone should just get along and play nice, support each other and also celebrate the victories of others. Now that I am over 50, I know the importance of chemistry.
I ask those that I am recruiting to interview me. It is a two-way street and recruits need to know our leadership style, our temperament, and our expectations. One of the greatest hires I ever made was a young man I took a gamble on simply because he made me laugh. This guy hasn’t worked for me in 15 years but to this day he remains one of my very best friends!
Character – Simply put, character matters! The people we recruit reflect our values and they are an extension of that we embody. I believe in an environment of grace. I know that at some point that everyone makes a mistake but I have a shorter lease with lying, cheating, and negativity in relation to character.
Recruit honesty, recruit hard-working, recruit customer service, recruit determination, recruit joy for life. Each of us at some point in our lives should know what character traits matter to us. The people on my team laugh A LOT. They are honest, trustworthy and they are hard-working. I wouldn’t trade anyone on my team for anyone in the country because they are now all dear friends. Character matters so build slow and build wisely!
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