Key Traits of an Exceptional Startup Hire

We need someone with 10 years of experience. Really? Let me challenge that thinking. The most successful hires I've seen aren't always the most experienced - they're the ones with the highest potential. Here are 8 uncommon traits that signal high potential in candidates (backed by research): 1. Aspiration & Self-Leadership - Takes initiative without constant direction - Aligns personal goals with company objectives 2. Learning Agility - Adapts quickly to new situations - Applies new skills effectively 3. Emotional Intelligence - Shows high self-awareness - Demonstrates genuine empathy 4. Strategic Thinking - Makes informed decisions - Thinks beyond current role 5. Growth Mindset - Seeks learning opportunities - Views feedback as development 6. Cultural Alignment - Builds trust naturally - Contributes to positive workplace dynamics 7. Resilience - Thrives in uncertainty - Maintains performance under pressure 8. Self-Motivation - Consistently delivers results - Goes beyond job requirements While technical skills can be taught, these character traits and potential indicators are much harder to develop. The next time you're hiring, look beyond the years of experience.  Focus on these traits instead. Your future top performers might not have the perfect resume - but they'll have these qualities in spades. Agree?  Disagree?  Share your thoughts below. 👇

Over the past decade, I've hired 500+ people and interviewed thousands. Here are 6 traits I’ve found to be the best predictors of a great hire: ~~ 1) Speed of Response The faster someone responds, the better they’ll likely fit with me and my team. It’s not about having all the answers right away—it’s about engagement, care, and showing you’re present. That level of responsiveness is invaluable. == 2) They Demand Excellence Great hires hold themselves to a high standard and expect the same of others. When something goes wrong, they own it. Their first instinct is to ask: ➝ What can we learn? ➝ What needs to improve? This attitude turns problems into progress. == 3) Humility The best team members are hungry to grow and leave their ego at the door. They don’t pretend to know it all; they ask questions, seek feedback, and adapt. Over time, these learners become irreplaceable assets to any team. == 4) Proactive Problem Solvers They don’t wait for instructions—they take initiative. When they see an issue, they address it. When they encounter a roadblock, they suggest solutions. Proactive hires reduce bottlenecks and keep the team moving forward. == 5) Strong Communication Skills Clear communication is critical for collaboration, especially in remote and fast-paced environments. The best hires: ➝ Ask thoughtful questions. ➝ Share updates without being asked. ➝ Document decisions to keep everyone aligned. == 6) Alignment with Values Skills can be taught, but values are harder to change. Does the candidate embody the core principles of your team or company? Those who align with your mission are far more likely to thrive and contribute over the long term. == Hiring isn’t just about filling a role; it’s about building a team of people who can challenge, inspire, and grow together. What traits do YOU prioritize when hiring? Let me know. ⬇️

🚀 The Unseen Qualities of Rockstar Employees: A Revelation 🚀 In the realm of leadership and talent acquisition, we've long prioritized skills like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. While these remain invaluable, when I was reflecting on my past employees and teams, I wanted to delve into the less obvious yet equally critical attributes that distinguish truly exceptional employees. 🌟 🔍 Beyond the Resume: Uncommon Qualities to Watch For - Adaptability Agility: In today's fast-paced business environment, an employee's ability to pivot in response to changing circumstances is not just valuable—it's indispensable. Look for those who demonstrate this quality not through words but through their actions and decisions during uncertain times. - Curiosity & Continuous Learning: With the rapid evolution of technology and business practices, a voracious appetite for knowledge can be a game-changer. Employees who seek out new skills and understandings without prompting not only grow themselves but become invaluable assets for innovation within your company. - Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Increasingly recognized as a critical driver of success, EQ—the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions and to empathize with others—can significantly enhance team collaboration and customer relations. Employees high in EQ often navigate conflicts effortlessly and foster a supportive, positive work environment. - Cultural Contributions: Beyond fitting into the company culture, look for individuals who contribute to it. Those who bring new perspectives and challenge the status quo can catalyze the kind of growth and innovation necessary for today’s competitive landscape. 🔎Spotting These Qualities Identifying these traits requires innovative interview techniques and keen observation. Behavioral and situational interview questions can reveal much about a candidate’s adaptability and EQ, while projects or tasks that simulate real-work challenges can provide insight into their problem-solving and learning agility. 📈 Impact on Business Success According to a report by Deloitte, organizations that prioritize qualities like learning agility and emotional intelligence tend to outperform in innovation and financial returns. This underscores the substantial impact these "uncommon" employee attributes have on overall business success. Conclusion: As we navigate the complexities of today's business cycles, it is key to embrace a broader view of what makes an employee truly exceptional. It's not just about the skills they bring to the table today but also about their potential to grow, adapt, and contribute to the culture and success of your business tomorrow. Have you encountered an employee whose uncommon qualities significantly impacted your business?   I would love to hear your stories. 👇