There are two people in your life that can immediately tell you if a job candidate is a good hire. When both (or either one) doesn’t get a good vibe, it’s an important warning sign to heed. While some candidates fit the bill precisely on paper, but it’s what’s not on the resume that’s most telling. Trouble is, you might miss these cues. And, that’s where two key people in your life and business come into the picture. Resume versus Reality Paper credentials are indeed important. But, if his or her personality doesn’t gel, he or she just won’t work out. That’s not necessarily a bad thing because it means there are other qualities that you need to have in that position. Put another way, intangibles can’t be ignored. Even when there’s an impressive track record, that doesn’t seamlessly translate into the perfect fit. Hiring someone who doesn’t fit your company’s personality can be a very costly mistake. To avoid making that mistake, make sure to interview job candidates for cultural fit, as well as job qualifications. —Inc.com We’ve all heard the stories of Steve Jobs. A marketing genius. A man who could somehow see into the future. However, a very difficult person to work for and with. Although he built a huge company, he did so stepping on a lot of toes and hurting many people’s feelings. Of course, this is just an example. Yet, it does help to illustrate a point — someone can have a spectacular resume but isn’t a true team player. Best Ways to Size-Up a Potential New Hire So, how do you know if someone is a good fit for the position? Sure, read his or her resume. Ask some questions before and during an interview. Then, rely on two key people to read the tea leaves. Just who are these individuals? The answer is: your spouse and your right hand man. While the latter makes perfect sense, the former just might surprise you. (That is, unless your spouse works in the business with you.) But, for business owners who don’t work with their spouses, this could be a bit out of left field. However, it’s a great way to get a real feel for someone. After all, your spouse knows you just about as well as anyone could. She or he can glean things from another person you could easily miss on your own. And, that’s where your right hand person is also valuable. He or she will also be able to judge a potential hire in more ways than just on paper. So, get together for lunch and over dinner. And, do so separately (your spouse on one occasion and your right hand on another). Then, ask their impressions about the job candidate and listen carefully. You’ll probably learn a lot. Plus, you’ll get valuable feedback that can help you to make the right decision. What other suggestions do you have for sizing up a potential new hire? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Hey, Small Business Owners Do You Know Your Blind Spots? If Not, Here’s How to Tell and Become Better Leaders Running a small business is like embarking on a voyage into uncharted waters. While the journey is exhilarating, it also comes with challenges and hidden obstacles—commonly known as blind spots. These are areas where leaders might lack awareness, and navigating through them can be the key to becoming a more effective and insightful leader. The Blind Spots You Just Can’t See Imagine navigating a dark forest, unsure of the path ahead. That’s what it can feel like for small business owners, often unaware of the hidden obstacles and opportunities lurking in their blind spots. But fear not, intrepid commerce explorers! By shedding light on these blind areas, you can transform your leadership and guide your business to new heights. What are Blind Spots? Blind spots are areas of your leadership and business where you lack awareness or insight. They can be internal, like personal biases or emotional triggers, or external, like neglecting customer feedback or overlooking market trends. These hidden flaws can hold you back from making informed decisions, building strong relationships, and achieving your full potential. How Small Business Owners Can Identify their Blind Spots Seek diverse perspectives. Surround yourself with advisors, mentors, and employees who offer different viewpoints and experiences. Their insights can illuminate areas you might have missed. Embrace feedback. Don’t shy away from constructive criticism. Actively seek feedback from customers, employees, and partners, and listen with an open mind. Analyze data. Numbers don’t lie. Utilize analytics tools to track performance metrics and identify areas where your strategies might be off-track. Conduct self-reflection. Take time for introspection. Reflect on your leadership style, decision-making process, and interactions with others. Ask yourself: What are my strengths and weaknesses? Where am I prone to biases? Step outside your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to venture beyond your usual routine. Attend industry events, network with diverse individuals, and explore new ideas. How to Conquer Your Blind Spots Once you’ve identified your blind spots, it’s time to take action: Seek education and training. Invest in leadership development programs or workshops to gain new skills and knowledge. Delegate tasks and empower your team. Trust your team members to handle areas where you lack expertise. This frees you to focus on your strengths and address your blind spots. Embrace continuous learning. Never stop learning and adapting. Stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and best practices. Develop self-awareness practices. Implement mindfulness exercises, meditation, or journaling to become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and biases. Build a culture of open communication. Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable voicing concerns and offering feedback without fear of judgment. The Rewards of Leadership Clarity Conquering your blind spots leads to a multitude of benefits: Improved decision-making. Clearer awareness leads to more informed choices that drive better results. Enhanced relationships. Building trust and rapport with your team and customers fosters a positive and productive work environment. Increased innovation. Embracing diverse perspectives and new ideas fuels creativity and innovation. Greater resilience. Self-awareness allows you to navigate challenges and setbacks with greater adaptability and confidence. Empowered leadership. Leading with clarity and self-understanding inspires your team and guides your business toward success. Remember, the journey to self-discovery is ongoing. Embrace the challenge, learn from your missteps, and celebrate your successes. By constantly seeking feedback, cultivating self-awareness, and taking action, you can transform your blind spots into your greatest assets. So, step into the light, small business owner! Your leadership journey awaits. 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 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.