The Key To Success: Hiring People Better Than You - James Caan

One mistake managers can make when recruiting new staff is being too cautious and careful in their approach. Subconsciously there may be a fear of taking on a new person who could ultimately pose a threat or a challenge. It is human nature, but it is sometimes the case that managers will not want to employ an individual who could potentially challenge their position or undermine authority within the workplace. High achievers are usually aware of their skills and talent. I have sometimes spoken to managers who are worried that someone overly ambitious and driven is going to upset the equilibrium within the workplace. They have got themselves into a position of authority and almost feel as if they have to defend it. But any decision that is made by a manager should always be taken for the good of the organisation as a whole rather than what best suits individuals. One of the biggest flaws a business leader can have is thinking that they are the best at everything they do and not accepting other people’s points of view and opinions. The reality is that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, even those at who are the very top of an organisation.

In fact it can be a sign of strength in an individual to recognise when you are not good at something so you can bring someone in who is. I have always looked to take on the right people to perform in areas where I do not feel comfortable or have the necessary expertise to do the best possible job. Of course, you should always ensure you are familiar with as much as possible. But nobody can be strong in every single aspect, so it makes sense to spread the workload.
For example, we are operating in a fast moving environment where new forms of communication such as social media are going to have a bigger role in the world of business.
Younger people have grown up with the technology and almost take it completely for granted. It makes sense to take on someone who understands and feels comfortable with social media, rather than to have the wrong policies and systems in place.
As well as driving your business forward, hiring people who are better than you in certain areas will naturally improve your own skill set. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a seasoned Chief Executive, you should constantly be looking to improve on a personal level. Remaining stuck in your ways isn’t an option and I personally have never been afraid to pick the brains of my staff and learn new things.
Protecting your own position and trying to keep potential challengers at bay is counterproductive and will only weaken your organisation’s position in the long-term.
One of the biggest challenges for a manager or business leader is to ensure you have the right mix of talents and characters. A successful team has people from a variety of disciplines with different approaches to problems – but crucially, they are all working towards one shared goal.