I speak to organizations all the time, and almost every one would tell me they don’t have the optimal team.
All of these organizations have unique stories and cultures. Most operate in different fields of work and are looking for different kinds of talent. In a one week period, I will have spent time with an elementary school staff, leaders from a billion dollar business, a local church staff, and a Board of Directors. While the groups are different, they all share a similar problem:
They don’t have enough great people on their team.
Or they wish some of their people were higher caliber.
So they ask, “How do I attract more people?” or “How do I attract better people?”
My answer might not be the most encouraging one, but it’s the truth: We reproduce what we have, not what we want.
This advice is not glamorous. It’s not an exciting approach or an easy strategy, but it is the most effective one if you choose to accept it. If you are going to attract a higher caliber of talent, you must develop the people you already have. Make the people on your team the kind of individuals who will inspire the new talent you want.
The solution isn’t easy, but it is simple and straightforward. Here are three steps to grow the people on your team in order to attract new talent:
1) Invest in the talent you have.
Encourage individuals in their strengths. Provide them tools and opportunities to pursue professional development. And most importantly, connect your people to the purpose. It’s your job to help each individual understand how their role is vital to your organization fulfilling its mission.
2) Level up your leaders.
Seventy percent of an employee’s experience is based on a relationship with their immediate manager. It might be worth reading that last line again.
If you want a better frontline team, you must elevate the frontline leaders. Teach them how to communicate effectively, how to handle conflict, and how to establish trust.
3) Become a place where people can contribute.
Don’t mistake compliance for contribution.
If you are going to attract and retain talented people, create a space where their unique gifts can be exercised. Every great person wants to add value, so encourage creativity and resourcefulness and celebrate when people use their gifts to contribute to the larger work of your team.
If you’re struggling to get better people in the door, start with who you’ve already got. Focus on their strengths, invest in intentional leadership training, and give them an opportunity to contribute.
When you do those three things, you take the first step to becoming the type of organization that the people you’re looking for are looking for.
