Hire P’s Not A’s – Hiring on Passion

Understand what it important to them. It’s rarely promotions or pay raises; rather, they are looking for gratifying work, which they will reward with loyalty to your organization. Because of this loyalty, they often serve a critical role as the organizational memory. They’re a stable element to keep around. But don’t take advantage of this group. Their work commitment becomes very personal. If they feel abused or neglected, they will take their skills elsewhere. They are not high-maintenance, but they do require some initial direction and some regular reassurance that their ideas are being acknowledged by management.

Encourage your passionate players to learn and grow. Make sure they have opportunity to participate in training and grow through self-directed learning programs. Provide easy access and rewards for participation. Polish their talents.

Fuel their passion. Assign special tasks to these passionate people that allow them to utilize their strengths and fulfill their desires. Capitalize on their positive attributes by giving them jobs where they can excel.

Most of all, be there for them. Provide positive reinforcement, coaching and mentoring. Show them how much you care about their success. Demonstrate respect and appreciation for their efforts. Ask them what they really want to do in their jobs, and help them find those opportunities.

A decade ago, ABC was the way of life at GE. Today, the company still ranks its employees but it has also added a new system of rating five leadership traits, including creativity and external focus. It’s no longer about ferreting out the low performers. It’s about building a team of passionate people who aren’t afraid to dream big – and about a company that isn’t afraid to give them that chance.

Owen Davis is managing director of U.S. Operations of TrainingFolks, which specializes in performance consulting, contract trainer services, leadership development, instructional designers and designing and executing employee-based development systems. He can be reached at 704-987-7761 or visit www.trainingfolks.net