By David Crary
Finding the right employees is extra important in the green industry. When we find employees that are a great fit, turnover goes down, productivity goes up and everyone is happier. We know we want employees with certain skill sets and experience, but I’ve found that it is important to look beyond that, to the character qualities of the people I interview. Here are 5 questions to help you find an employee worth hiring.
1. Do they have integrity?
Integrity is becoming harder and harder to come by, but hold out for it. There is nothing worse than a dishonest employee. Look for employees that will keep their word and don’t lie, cheat or steal. Ask subtle questions to draw out their real thoughts on when it’s okay to lie and whether they are entitled to things if they think they aren’t being paid enough or aren’t treated right. You need to be able to trust your employees. Find new workers with integrity and encourage any integrity you see in your current employees.
2. Do they share your vision?
Your vision is where your business’ values and primary goal come together to direct your future. Hire employees who have shared values, fit the culture of your organization and will help you accomplish your big 10-to-20-year goal. Does this person value what we value? Will he or she reach for the stars with me? Will this candidate help the company become all it can be? If the answer is no, then move along to the next applicant. Also, remember to encourage your current employees toward your values and goals so they can be a greater asset to you.
3. Are they humbly confident?
You need workers who are confident in their abilities, but aren’t stuck-up jerks about it. Pride comes before a fall, so don’t hire people who think they’re better than everyone else. Always choose the coachable candidate over the prideful one. Aspects of our jobs are bound to change, and if you hire someone unwilling to take correction and direction from others, then you will be stuck in an ugly power struggle. On the other hand, you don’t want to hire anyone who lacks confidence and won’t move forward with the skills they’ve been taught. Find that balance of humility and confidence and you’ve found a great employee.
4. How often do they do the right thing?
Every day we are faced with many crossroads where we have to choose between the right thing and the wrong things. You need employees who will choose to follow procedure and directions without cutting corners (literally in lawn care). Ask your interviewees about a time they had to make a tough choice, how they decided what to do, and how it turned out for them. Ask the right questions and you will have a great picture of how applicants have acted and will act if you hire them.
5. Are they determined to help the business grow?
Your long-term success is dependent on growth. Find employees who will help you achieve healthy growth. Look for friendly employees who will go the extra mile for the customer. Choose employees who will look and act professional on the job site. Pick people who will do what it takes, within reason, to make your customers happy enough to recommend you to their friends. Green industry businesses grow by doing great work so they win more contracts and better contracts. Find and keep employees who will help you win that next great contract.
Hiring new employees can be frustrating, but the time you put into choosing the right team will pay off down the road. If you find people with the right inner qualities, you can train them to work your way and end up with a great staff. Of course the best way to attract these workers will be to build these good qualities into your personality. Then you’ll have the best team possible.
