It could be a cleaner, the security guard, the coffee lady, the bus driver, the guy who sold me jewellery or anyone. Whenever I get impressed with a person's work attitude, I will tell myself that "This is the guy I will poach to work for my own company". And in cases when i'm extremely impressed, I get their namecard, just in case I might call them with a little proposition years down the road.
And nope, I have not yet set up any company. I preach alot about why we should step out of the comfort zone, but in the end, I'm this scary cat who talks alot but have no concrete action. I could come up with 101 reasons why I am still stuck helping people make money, but deep down, I know these are not reasons, these are my self-made excuses.
Anyway, pardon the digress.
Richard Branson is one who hires based on a person's aptitude, and I think that's so smart. Paper qualifications are over-rated. Unless you are getting IT guys, laboratory scientists or accountants, where paper qualifications correlates with how often the guy will produce results, it's better to get someone who has that aptitude, the X-factor.
A top-earning salesman related to me his story about a potential customer, a study mama from China, who would not buy a single product from him, not because his products aren't good, but because she's not buying into him. How do you trust the words of a person you only knew for a few minutes? So this top-earning salesman went the extra step out for her, teaching her how to secure her kids into her choice school over the next few days. It's something out of his jobscope, but it got her to buy into him as a friend. Soon, she started becoming his regular customer, and gave lots of referrals. Woot! $_$
Soft skills like charisma, interaction, EQ, mindset and motivation are skills I lookout for in my potential employees. It's important not to produce disgruntled employees, because low morale is infectious, and happy workers produce better results. I need to ensure that my own company doesn't fall apart when I go on a vacation with Wifey to Milan on a shopping spree.
Recently, Wifey got the chance to know most of my colleagues. And I singled out two particular colleagues who have that "it" factor that I'm looking for. Not everyone may agree with my choice, because one of my choice has some "personality problem". But I see why she has that "problem", and I am confident of turning turning it round to make her a great asset.
Be on your best behavior, kids, especially if you are dealing with clients or strangers.
The stranger who you impressed today, might be the guy who will poach you tomorrow.
And I might just be that poacher.
*winks*
And been poached will certainly give you a better deal than aimlessly hunting for your own job.
About the Author: Shingo T gives extra poaching points to people in miniskirts compare to those in business trousers.
19 comments:
Google also hires based on aptitude.
As far as Malaysian employers are concerned, experience tops the requirement list.
interesting info for those into biz..
"Shingo T gives extra poaching points to people in miniskirts compare to those in business trousers"..haha. Beauty vs brains?
Hiring those with a right attitude is more important than what's shown on paper. Wrong attitude sucks big time!
Very well written Uncle Shingo. And I especially agree on your last remark, which seems to be most important: Skirts over trousers is a poach-magnet and the greatest way to show aptitude :P Especially, if the poacher is a man.
EQ over IQ and mini-skirts over trousers -- interesting concept. I think, you'd have a great team working with you, Shingo.
This reminds me of once those staffs in the company I worked for got head hunted to another bigger firm! Me included :o)
I wish all bosses think like you and Richard Branson. But I do the same when I used to hire for my company. To me, ASK is an all time factor.
Shingo-T, do check out my blog when you've got time. There's something lurking there for you. Cheers!!!
Does that mean I have to start wearing mini skirts? :P
I do that--look for good people--but just for personal reasons. A few times it has also led to a professional relationship, but the personal side is more important to me.
yay!!! uncle, let me know if i have the "it" factor for you to hire me. hehehehe.
thats the right attitude of Mr. RB... something my co should follow suite. but malaysia sometimes base on degree in ampusime and bodekisme
Ah, the IT factor. The way to charm a person and the personal touch, the key factors of every sales point. But besides that, i think that looks are alway needed in the line of sales as well. A plain person will never attract a person as much as an attractive person. The best combination would always be a good looking person with the 'it' factors. First impressions always matters.
Hmm, gotta buck up and see if Shingo will hire me for his company. :p
great blog.
http://www.onceuponafad.blogspot.com
Are we still poaching...? hehe...
Thanks for taking the time to stop by, Shingo. Much appreciated.
Good boss! You will certainly have a wonderful team.
Whatever it is,
all talk no action = 0
when I hire people I will look at the minimum qualification first, no choice, company requirement.
if no qualification but plenty of experience with proven previous result than will recommend to boss for approval. (agreed with KhengSiong) Like me, I dont have much qualification in paper.
Aptitude come last for none of the above. unless the person really can convince me and or if that day I was happy or the person I interview happen to be a sexy female.. probably she got through...
That was before I fired myself from the job
my nature of business now are different, I uses Aptitude for every one I hire because the job doesn't required qualification and I am a trainer, I can train them the way I would want my business to run. experience is always a plus but not often required base on job description.
Thanks for sharing! awesome post!
i lollledd at the miniskirt comment haha
you're building an army of nice people huh :)
"Shingo T gives extra poaching points to people in miniskirts compare to those in business trousers. " <-- Gents in Skirts are waiting to be poached!!!
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