4 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring - Inspired by the NFL
In the high-stakes world of professional sports, where millions of dollars and championship dreams are on the line, hiring the right talent is paramount. No industry understands the importance of a strong roster quite like the NFL. But what can healthcare leaders learn from the gridiron when it comes to building a winning team? Plenty, it turns out.
Just as a football team wouldn't draft a player without carefully evaluating their skills and fit within the team's system, healthcare practices shouldn't hire employees without a thoughtful and strategic approach. To help you avoid costly hiring mistakes and build a championship-caliber team, let's explore four common pitfalls to avoid, inspired by the NFL playbook.
1. Not Knowing What You're Looking For
Imagine a football team drafting a player without considering their position, playing style, or how they fit into the team's overall strategy. That's a recipe for disaster, right? Similarly, hiring in healthcare without a clear understanding of your ideal candidate can lead to costly mismatches and high turnover.
Before you even start recruiting, take the time to define your ideal employee. This goes beyond clinical skills and experience. Consider their personality, values, work ethic, and how they'd mesh with your team's dynamics. Create an "employee avatar" – a detailed profile of your perfect hire.
Think about this: What qualities are most important to you when hiring new employees? How can you assess those qualities during the interview process?
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2. Forgetting the "On-the-Job" Preview
Think about how NFL teams invite prospective players to visit the facility and work out with the team. They're not just assessing physical skills; they're also observing how the player interacts with coaches and teammates, how they handle pressure, and whether they fit into the team's culture.
Similarly, in healthcare, it's crucial to give applicants a glimpse into your workplace environment before making a hiring decision. Invite them to shadow a current employee, observe a team meeting, or simply spend some time in the break room. This allows them to experience your practice's culture firsthand and decide if it's the right fit for them.
Action step: How can you give candidates a realistic preview of your workplace culture during the hiring process?
3. Not Recruiting Continuously
Imagine a football team waiting until their star quarterback gets injured to start scouting for a replacement. That's a recipe for panic and poor decision-making, right? Similarly, waiting until you're short-staffed to start recruiting in healthcare can lead to rushed hires and costly turnover.
Embrace the "always be hiring" mentality. Continuously network with potential candidates, attend industry events, and maintain a pool of qualified applicants. This way, when a position opens up, you'll have a roster of potential candidates ready to go. It's like having a well-stocked medicine cabinet – you're prepared for whatever comes your way.
Avoid this: Don't wait until you're in a staffing crisis to start recruiting. Be proactive and build a pipeline of talent.
Question: What is your plan for dealing with unexpected turnover?
4. Not Scrutinizing Hires Carefully
The NFL Combine is a rigorous evaluation process where prospective players are tested, measured, and analyzed from every angle. While you don't need to put your healthcare applicants through a physical obstacle course, it's crucial to thoroughly evaluate their skills, experience, and suitability for the role.
This means going beyond the resume and conducting in-depth interviews, checking references, and even administering job-relevant assessments. Look for red flags, inconsistencies, and any signs that the candidate might not be the right fit for your practice.
Avoid this: Don't rush the hiring process or settle for a candidate who doesn't meet your standards. Take the time to find the right person for the job.
Think about this: What are your non-negotiables when it comes to hiring? How can you ensure you're thoroughly evaluating candidates on those criteria?
Conclusion: Building a Championship Team
Hiring is a critical process in any industry, but in healthcare, the stakes are especially high. By avoiding these common hiring mistakes and taking a strategic approach to building your team, you can create a winning culture that attracts and retains top talent.
Remember, your employees are the heart of your practice. Invest in them, empower them to succeed, and watch your practice thrive. Just like a championship football team, a strong and dedicated healthcare team can achieve remarkable things.
If you want help with creating your ideal hiring and onboarding process, contact us at seasoned-advice.com to start a conversation.
Mike Lyons is an HR professional and consultant in the Austin, TX area specializing in the healthcare industry. He can be found at seasoned-advice.com and on LinkedIn.