When we discuss the process of hiring, we rarely lean on simply recruiting for skills and qualifications alone, especially when it comes to the startup environment. As business leaders, we tend to gravitate toward candidates that match our current company DNA. We rationalize this thought process by assuming that these new team members will fit seamlessly with the existing team, produce the same great results as our existing top performers and continue to add value to the business.
In theory this practice sounds fool proof, but in reality, it may not always be the case.
More often than not, our clients routinely request that we hire candidates for culture "fit". Culture Fit is the practice of hiring individuals with the same values, ideas and approaches your existing team has. A little known truth about this practice is that it can actually hinder organizational growth, as it can lead to limited sharing of new ideas and innovation.
What is Culture Add?
Culture Add is a relatively newer term used to describe individuals who not only align with the company's existing workplace culture and values, but also bring forth an aspect of diversity that positively contributes to your organizations future transformation and growth.
Culture Add hires help to shape an innovative culture by challenging the current thought processes as they have the skills and backgrounds to think differently. Through a simple change of mindset from culture 'fit' to culture 'add', we begin to view candidates from a new lens of 'what they bring' over 'what they have'. Hiring for culture add is a great way to encourage innovation, allowing your business to evolve with the world around you.
We have put together 3 interview questions designed to asses your candidates for Culture Add.
How would your colleagues describe the benefit of working with you as opposed to one of your co-workers?
Describe a time when you received feedback from a supervisor or someone on another team. How did you react? What was the end result?
What is your first impression of our company culture? How do you think we can improve?
It can sometimes be a gamble when it comes to implementing organizational change. Hiring for culture add is a great way to encourage the sharing of new insights and ideas in your business. Transitioning from a 'fit' to an 'add' perspective may take time and often does not come without some resistance. The key to success is bearing in mind that the processes that got you where you are today, will likely need to change to get you where you want to be tomorrow. As the world continues to evolve, our teams must to evolve with it.
How Can We Help?
We have placed hundreds of candidates over the past several years through a Culture Add perspective to hiring. Offering customized solutions to suit your business needs, your people are our passion.
Connect with us today to find out how we can help you!
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