This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
Attitude and Performance in Hiring and Succession ¶
As a leader, it's essential to consider the dynamics between performance and attitude when making hiring and succession decisions. According to Richard Branson, British business magnate, he hires for attitude and trains for skill.
However, having a great performer with a lousy attitude can contaminate the rest of the team and create a toxic environment. It's necessary to let these individuals go, as they may deliver exceptional results, but the damage they cause can be costly to repair.
On the other hand, if you opt for attitude and poor performance, it's crucial to ensure that the person has the humility to learn and grow quickly. This requires a willingness to adapt and take constructive feedback.
Another critical factor in succession planning is the 'spirit angle.' The greatest successors are those who carry the spirit of the leader, inheriting not only the office but also the leader's values and vision. This means that as a leader, you must embody the spirit of leadership, making it attractive to others.
When starting a business, availability is often the primary requirement, but as the organization grows, ability becomes more important. Unfortunately, many organizations fail to develop the necessary structure to handle ability, resulting in mediocrity and a lack of accountability.
Structure is the key to excellence, and it's essential to establish systems that work like clockwork. This is evident in rich nations and neighborhoods, where structure plays a vital role in success. In business, a well-structured organization is more likely to succeed and transcend generations.
As seen in the case of US President Donald Trump, a person who has been used to doing things their way may struggle to adapt to a structured environment. The introduction of oversight committees and the need to understand complex terms can be challenging for those who are accustomed to being in charge.
Ultimately, a leader's attitude and performance can make or break an organization's success. By prioritizing structure, ability, and the spirit of leadership, you can create a strong foundation for your business to thrive.
