Patience

Progressing toward a clear vision takes time. Baby steps can happen consistently, the arrival requires patience. Patience if you don’t want to settle for a sub-par replacement for your vision.

This played out real time with a client in our last couple of practices. They have a big hire to make. First round – candidates that are good not great. Scarcity mindset says jump now, might not get anything better. Holding to your vision acknowledges that there is the possibility I may not find the unicorn, and I trust that I can always find a bridge candidate if needed. Test the market first. Be patient. Do more rounds. Be willing to leave the position open for long enough that it hurts rather than taking a lack luster candidate and doing harm.

And clarity is king. Make sure the leader doing the hiring is crystal clear about what she’s looking for. If the team that’s helping with the hire isn’t clear, keep rinsing. Make sure you’re evaluating the same metrics, and against the same standards.

It’s not too hard to find a good enough. Finding greatness requires patience and sustained effort.