The Most Dangerous Hire

You hired them because they had "experience." Their resume checked every box. They came from a competitor or a larger firm. You paid a premium because you needed them to hit the ground running.

Ninety days later, they are still "assessing the landscape." They are managing processes, not driving outcomes.

It’s the "Middle Talent Trap."

We often hire from the middle because we fear training someone junior (Green) and can’t afford the true industry superstar (Great). So we settle for the middle. The problem is that the middle is often where mediocrity goes to hide. They bring the bad habits of their last three jobs and none of the hunger.

Stop hiring for the resume. Start hiring for the trajectory.

Hire Green or Hire Great.

If you can’t afford the Great, hire Green. But don’t just hire anyone young. Look for the "I3" traits that predict success:

1. Intelligence: Can they solve complex problems without a playbook?
2. Initiative: Do they ask, "What needs to be done?" or do they wait to be told?
3. Integrity: Do they own their mistakes immediately?

A "Green" hire with these three traits will outperform a "Middle" hire within six months. Every time.

Are you hiring for a resume, or are you hiring for hunger?

Onward,

Toby

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