Ever found yourself torn between hiring the most qualified candidate on paper and the person who just “feels right” for your team? You’re not alone. There’s a persistent myth in hiring that skill trumps everything else – and it’s time we bust it wide open.
Why We Fall for the Skills Trap
We get it. When you’re looking to fill a role, it’s tempting to focus solely on qualifications, track records, and technical abilities. After all, you wouldn’t hire a tradesman to do your books, right? But here’s where many business owners go wrong: they become obsessed with finding the “perfect” candidate with every single skill checked off their list.
The reality? Even when we know culture and fit matter, we often default back to asking, “Can they get results?” or “Do they have the right connections?” Meanwhile, the most important factors take a backseat.
The Three-Pillar Approach to Hiring
Instead of putting skills first, consider this framework: Attitude, Aptitude, and Skill – in that order.
- Attitude aligns with cultural fit. Does this person carry the right temperament? Will they mesh with your team’s values and working style?
- Aptitude covers those inherent qualities that can’t always be taught – are they self-starters? Can they innovate and think critically without constant guidance?
- Skill comes last because while important, it’s often the most trainable aspect of any role.
Making the Shift
Your culture should be front and center in job advertisements, recruitment pages, and interview conversations. When you hire for cultural fit first, you’re not just filling a position – you’re building a cohesive team that can grow together.
The bottom line? Skills can be taught, but attitude and cultural alignment? That’s pure gold.
About Monday Myth Check
Monday Myth Check is a weekly dose of reality where Jono Brake holds up commonly held leadership beliefs and asks the question “What if this was not true”. You can find the weekly videos and other posts by following Jono Brake on LinkedIn or following The Forged Leader, as well as on Youtube @jonobrake.
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