New Year’s Resolution – 4 Factors to Hire and Build a Bold Team Despite the Recession
New Year’s Resolution – 4 Factors to Hire and Build a Bold Team Despite the Recession
Yes, we’re in a recession. And while we are all forced to rethink our upcoming budgets and give some serious thought toward immediate cost cutting, one area worth keeping vibrant and fully funded, believe it or not, is new hires. Here’s why in a nutshell.
The best people may be out of work. Like grabbing low-priced stocks or great real estate deals right now, there are some terrific investments out there in real-life, “human” resources. 1.2 million people lost their jobs this year – many of them gifted, creative, business-savvy mid-level managers and professionals. What’s a company to do with this fact? Simply pick the two or three areas in your organization that you want to see revitalized, and then do a little shopping. Let your staffing agent know what your needs are and interview a few excellent candidates.
Why do this now, when you “should” be cutting costs?
1. The appreciation factor. To be blunt, new hires usually repay the favor exponentially in hard work, dedication and creativity. It’s almost a given that every single day, and on every single project, these employees will surprise you with their A game. After all, they KNOW that having a great job is not a definite, but rather a great opportunity.
2. The Good Stuff Factor. We know one thing, people (and companies) buy the good stuff. They cut back everywhere possible, but the BEST products and services are the last to go. While there’s a lot to be said for longevity, hiring new team members with great ideas will go far toward remaining viable while your competitors scramble. Want to know what someone can bring to your company or your projects? ASK THEM. Before you interview candidates, have your staffing agent pose the question and respond to you by email with their ideas.
3. The Confidence Factor. With unemployment numbers soaring, your existing employees are worried. Face it, you’re probably worried. There is NO better way to instill confidence in your teams than to HIRE right now. Even one or two great acquisitions added to your headcount will leave everyone with an unexpected sigh of relief. And you won’t believe the effect it will have on your clients – and your competitors!
4. The Shake Factor. Finally, every team – right down to the NY Mets – knows the value of shaking things up a little. As executives, we do nobody a favor by keeping ineffective employees or even just the “bad fit.” The stories of how those people soar and how their lives change once they exit the “wrong” job are endless. And we DEFINITELY do our organization no favor by NOT filling those spots with smart, creative, go-getters who can add to our profit margin, client base and overall effectiveness.
While letting someone go during a recession is not easy, our loyalties definitely need to be with the overall health and stability of our company. Continuing to build GREAT teams, even when things may be tough is one way to stand tall, look adversity in the eye, and assure everyone that your company is sound and successful, especially while those around you begin to blink.
Catherine Palmiere, CEIC, CPBA, CPCC, CPC, CTS, CSS
Helping to build the best teams for twenty-seven years
President of Adam Personnel, Inc.Phone: 212 557-9150 ext. 208
mailto:cpalmiere@adampersonnel.com