Avoid Filling a New Position With a New Employee

Published: Aug 10, 2005

Application

Before you hire a new employee to fill a newly created position consider the risks.

Why combine two sets of problems when they can be separated and dealt with one at a time?

Any newly defined job description requires adjustments as the job is performed:
- a different set of skills may be required
- the desired outcomes may not be as first perceived
- on-the-job research may uncover unforeseen circumstances
- competitors' reactions may change your game plan
Any new employee has a different set of challenges:
- despite thorough selection procedures, the person may not fulfill your expectations
- building a trusting relationship requires time
- matching a person's set of values with your existing organizational culture is a tricky manoeuver
- cancellation is very costly

Consider some of these alternatives:

Stories from members will add great value to these maxims.

Please post your story by emailing it to max@unclemaxsays.com.