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Personality Hires Spark a Big Social Media Debate: Here’s What Small Businesses Need to Know Personality hires have recently become a popular topic on social media. While there are numerous reasons, perhaps the biggest is the concept resonates with many people, particularly younger generations like Gen Z, who often feel that they bring value to the workplace through their interpersonal skills and positive energy, even if they may not have extensive technical skills or experience. This launched a trend where individuals celebrate being “personality hires,” often in a humorous or self-deprecating manner, sharing their experiences and insights on platforms like TikTok and Twitter. Also, the rise of remote work and changing workplace dynamics have made the concept of personality hires more relevant. As companies focus on building strong team cultures and maintaining employee engagement, the value of employees who can foster positive relationships and boost morale has become more apparent. This has sparked discussions about the importance of hiring for cultural fit and soft skills, in addition to technical abilities. What to Know about Personality Hires As stated above, personality hires refer to the practice of hiring employees based on their personal traits, interpersonal skills, and cultural fit, rather than solely on their technical skills or experience. This approach emphasizes the importance of an individual’s personality in the workplace, as it can significantly impact team dynamics, collaboration, and overall company culture. Pros of Personality Hires This isn’t a completely new concept. But since it’s a decidedly different approach than traditional thinking, it can be difficult to see the benefits. So, let’s take a look at some of the advantages these job candidates can bring to the table and why they could be a good fit for an organization: Enhanced team cohesion. Employees with compatible personalities often work better together, reducing conflicts and improving team dynamics. A personality hire can help foster a positive and collaborative work environment. Improved relationships and communication. Personality hires are typically good communicators and can help improve relationships among team members and between employees and management. This can lead to better collaboration and problem-solving. Adaptability and learning potential. Candidates hired for their personality traits, such as openness, adaptability, and eagerness to learn, may be more effective in growing into their roles and taking on new challenges compared to those selected solely for their current skill set. Reinforcement of cultural norms and values. Hiring for personality allows organizations to reinforce the cultural norms and values that make them unique, fostering a workplace where employees are aligned with the company’s core beliefs and behaviors. Additionally, personality hires offer the potential for a new way of approaching an industry. These individuals may perceive things differently and be able to take a novel viewpoint no one else has thought of before. Cons of Personality Hires Now, as you well know, there are downsides to any proposition. Sure, this could bring a small business plenty of great experiences but it’s important to be aware of potential problems that could come from personality hires, like the following: Risk of skill gaps. Focusing too much on personality might lead to overlooking essential skills or technical deficiencies, potentially resulting in performance issues if the hire cannot meet the technical demands of the role. Overemphasis on likeability. There’s a risk that highly likable candidates may be favored over more qualified ones, which can impact the overall productivity and effectiveness of the team. Potential for bias. Personality-based hiring can introduce bias into the hiring process, as it relies heavily on subjective judgments about an individual’s character and fit within the organization. Conflict among team members. Personality hires can sometimes create tension or conflict within the team, especially if their personality traits clash with those of other team members. Small businesses should carefully consider the pros and cons of personality hires when making hiring decisions. While personality hires can bring considerable benefits to a workplace, including improved team harmony and cultural alignment, it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach. By carefully blending personality assessments with skill evaluations during the recruitment process, organizations can ensure they not only hire employees who fit into the workplace culture but who are also well-equipped to contribute to the company’s success. Ultimately, small businesses should prioritize hiring individuals who possess a combination of strong technical skills and a compatible personality that aligns with the company’s values and culture. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at (602) 541-1760, or, if you prefer,

As you reopen your company, people you previously did business with might or might not return with you. Or, it could be the same people, but in different positions, not necessarily having the same latitude and/or resources at their disposal. These individuals, vendors or customers, will most likely continue their relationships, but it will probably be one that’s changed. So, you’ll need to re-establish said relationships and do so in a thoughtful and careful manner. Why Business Relations are Now more Important and Fragile than Ever Of course, whether or not you’re dealing with the same individuals and/or roles Will depend on a number of factors. It’s important to understand and accept the fact that you have no control over these situations. That means you’ll have to make adjustments on your end, in order to make the relationships work. Hopefully, the people you deal with will have some say of their own, but it’s best to hope for the best and plan for the worst. In the early months of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted wide-sweeping shutdowns and shelter-in-place orders across the United States. Now, as parts of the country look to start relaxing these strict measures, small business owners need to think about what’s next and how they will adapt and move forward safely and sustainably. —U.S. Chamber of Commerce As you reopen, some of the individual vendors and customers you previously worked with might not come back. Also, there’s the inevitability of personnel change among vendors you worked with prior to the shutdown. This means they’ll be some level of give and take, and you’ll need to temper your expectations from time to time until the new relationship takes form. How to (Re)Establish Business Relationships Post Shutdown Going forward, This new and strange dynamic will present its own set of challenges. But, with a bit of patience, tact, and along the way analysis, you can either establish new business relationships or re-establish old ones. Here’s how: Reach out. Obviously, this is where you’ll start. Reach out to those you had the strongest relationships before. Then, to others and go down the list to eventually get to those you only occasionally worked with prior to the shut down. Listen carefully. When you do speak to vendors and customers, make a conscious decision to actively listen. Don’t give into the urge to carry on about your business. Instead, take the time to listen carefully to them and learn about their circumstances. Communicate clearly. By the same token, be honest about your situation, exactly where you stand, and where you expect to be in the near future. In short, under promise and over deliver. Offer Meeting options. Not all clients, customers or partners will feel comfortable meeting in person so offer them options. We have asked our clients; would you prefer to do a video or ZOOM conference or have us meet you in person. Just asking shows you are sensitive to their concerns. Pay on time, every time. Also, be sure not to get too far ahead of yourself so you’re always in a position to pay on time, every time you receive an invoice. Otherwise, you’re opening yourself for trouble. Refer good vendors to others. Another thing you can do is to refer your favorite vendors (and customers) to others to show your appreciation. What other suggestions do you have? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.