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Hiring is hard, and today’s tight labor market makes it even more difficult. It is important to hire the right people and then to be able to retain them.
One key that is critical to acquiring and retaining the best people is to hire based largely on a cultural fit. But what does that mean? While culture is a major buzzword right now there is significant value to the concept. Culture plays a crucial role in shaping behavior in organizations. However, growing organizations often find it difficult or even impossible to retain their culture, either because they didn’t start with a healthy culture or as people are hired they don’t have the values and characteristics that support that initial culture.
It is imperative as a business owner that you have clarity around your values. Dig deep and think beyond the simple standards like vowing to be “ethical and honest.” Really, how many companies do you know that say they don’t want to be ethical and honest? Defining and encouraging your company culture can also help differentiate you from the competition by creating a unique workplace for your employees and providing your customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders positive experiences that align with your values.
When you are interviewing potential employees and assessing them for cultural fit, make sure to include questions such as:
- What do you value in your career or industry and why?
- Can you share an example of a workplace where you thrived and why you thrived?
- Will you tell me about your both your best and worst boss and why you consider them as such?
During the interview process, pay attention to whether the job candidate asks you questions regarding company culture; and, if so, note what they are. Do those types of questions fit your culture? For example, if the interviewee is asking a lot of money-related questions, but teamwork, collaboration, innovation and joy are key to the success of your culture (and your organization), then this person may not be a good cultural fit for your organization.
Remember, the cost to hire and train someone is significant. Finding people is challenging and requires hard dollars, soft dollars and time. You are making an investment in the individual you hire so make sure they are a good cultural fit who can enhance your organization and continue to grow with it.
By Blair Koch
