Perfection- somebody or something that reaches the highest attainable standard
Today I overheard an employer say that while going through applicants they were automatically disqualifying anyone who had a single error on their application. 1, singular, 1 error on the paper. As humans we are full of errors. We are not perfect beings and in no way does a perfect application represent a perfect employee.
In fact, I believe it is exactly the opposite. When looking for an employee I look for someone who can grow with the organization and make it better. If perfection is somebody or something that reaches the highest attainable standard, then why in the world do we want to hire someone who has no room to go?
Three Kinds of Employees
I once read an article by Noah Kagan on why he was fired from Facebook. Turns out he was a Show-er. He didn't grow, nor was he a Veteran. You can see the breakdown he mentioned below:
1- Grower. Someone who starts when the company is small and improves / adapts their skills as the company scales.
2- Show-er. Someone who can be good for the company where they are now but NOT where they are going.3- Veteran. They've done it before and it’s second nature for them to teach you how to do it in your company.
Perfectionists are Show-ers
Perfections are great for the now. If they've reached their potential then we can already say they won't grow with us. Don't we want to bring in growers, people that will improve and adapt to the company to make them better? If we're hiring perfectionist we won't be getting individuals who improve....YOU CANNOT IMPROVE ON PERFECTION.
Show-ers don't last. Just ask Noah Kagan. He loved his job at Facebook, but when the time came he wasn't moving forward with the company. Nor was he the veteran who was able to help others grow. He was a great fit for the company. He did everything they needed him to do. He just didn't move them forward. Perfectionists won't move you forward.
Who Should I Hire Then?
Hire veteran's, people who've done this before to help your business grow. If they are already in place then look for those who are rough on the edges. The best employees are the best because they are perfect. They are the best because they are good at what they do but have flaws. Flaws allow us to improve, they allow us to grow as people and as companies.
No Company is Perfect
You shouldn't hire perfectionist because your organization isn't perfect. You aren't the greatest business around, because if you were you'd not need to hire people (unless something tragic happened and you had to replace employees). If you aren't perfect, then why hire someone perfect?
If an application error is too much of a flaw for you, then put yourself in their shoes. The world is tough now. When I was in high school an application could get you hired to most places near town. In fact, even an application with an error could get you somewhere if you were willing to work hard. Isn't hard work all that matters anyways?
You don't want to hire lazy people. You want tough, hard working, adaptable workers. Not perfectionists, not lazy people, not overly obsessed individuals who never make mistakes. None of that will help you grow. None of that will improve your company. Growers make you grow, so stop showing the world your perfection and start growing your company.
Do you think Michael Jordan would be as great as he was if he never got cut in High School?
Colby Martin is a Business Consultant and blog writer. For consulting opportunities and services visit: CAM Consulting. This blog is paid for through affiliates and donations. If you'd like to support Colby, contact him at cmartin2829@ymail.com or click the DONATE button on the side of the page.
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