HBR IdeaCast Rules for Effective Hiring — and Firing
Feb 25, 2020
Joel Peterson, chairman of JetBlue Airways and Stanford professor, shares insights from his extensive career in leadership and hiring. He emphasizes effective hiring strategies that prioritize thorough evaluations and team values. The discussion includes the critical role of entrepreneurial leaders in fostering innovation and how to navigate the emotional complexities of firing. Peterson highlights the importance of continuous feedback and coaching to help employees grow, even when they seem like hiring missteps. His advice promotes collaboration and cohesion within teams.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Effective Candidate Evaluation
- Define the job requirements and selection criteria clearly, considering both technical skills and the reasons for choosing one candidate over another with similar qualifications.
- Involve the whole team in the interviewing process, conduct thorough reference checks personally, and dedicate ample time to each interview, ideally an hour or more for important roles.
Evaluating Values
- Assess a candidate's values by examining how they spend their time, money, and attention, rather than relying on their self-proclaimed virtues.
- Understand that people's values are deeply ingrained and unlikely to change significantly, so it's essential to identify candidates whose values align with the company's priorities.
Balancing Diversity and Values
- Strive for diversity in thought, experience, and perspectives, but ensure alignment on core values and priorities.
- Like an orchestra playing the same piece, a team should share common goals while contributing unique strengths and viewpoints.
