Finding a new employee

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     Finding a new employee can turn into a real problem. Most good employees already have jobs. You can hire a new employee away from another business, but it will cost you.

     To find a new employee for your business, first define what that new person will contribute. New employees must fit into your overall business plan. Where do you want to go? And how can a new person help you get there?

     Many people who apply for a job don't have basic skills. They don't get to work on time, they cannot read or write, they don't know how to answer a business phone, and they don't know how to apply themselves to a problem, solve it, and move on to the next problem. 

     In my own experience, I have placed an ad in a newspaper. Bad idea, especially in today's world. I dreaded the responses because a wide range of unqualified people showed up.

     Good employees have a sparkle in their eyes. They have learned self-discipline. They want to learn new things. They want to be a part of the business. They want to contribute to the success of something bigger than themselves. They want to feel good about what they do.

     Through trial and error, I learned to look beyond the experience of the person in front of me. I learned that I could teach them the specific tasks I wanted them to do. I learned to look beyond the resume--in fact, it they arrived resume in hand, I simply laid it aside and began a conversation.

     I always wanted to know if the applicant had served in the military. If so, then I knew self-discipline had become a part of the person. Military people have learned the importance of a team effort and they have learned to respect others. With these basics in place, I could teach them everything they needed to know.

     Our public schools today are too frequently little more than baby-sitting operations. Students are not taught to engage life. Anything goes--there is little self-discipline. Educators experiment with the lives of our young people, coddling them, and not preparing them for the real life situations they will face later on. It is a huge disservice to the youngsters. 

     When you go looking for your next new employee, forget the resume. Resumes can be manufactured--and many are. Look instead for fire in the belly and self-discipline. Look for a person who can contribute to the team and help get you where you want to go in your business. Look for someone who has the potential to eventually replace you. 

     To find that next new employee, have a conversation with the best employee you currently have. Good employees know other good people. Ask them to refer a couple of prospects to you. Take it from there.