Topics Covered In This Episode

• The Nature of Top Performers: Mercer and Jeff delve into the contentious discussion of whether top performers are born or cultivated, emphasizing the role of an organization in nurturing and utilizing the innate capabilities of top talent. The Minneapolis public school district is highlighted as a beacon of top-performance.
• Identifying a Top Performer: The podcast sheds light on the traits that define a top performer - an individual who elevates your business to unprecedented heights. Mercer and Jeff also share insightful tips on hiring techniques, including the significance of behavioral questions and pre-interview tests to identify a true 'A player'.
• The Importance of Accurate Job Descriptions: The hosts discuss the critical role of a well-structured hiring funnel and job description in attracting top performers. They stress on the necessity for candidates to be detail-oriented and honest about their capabilities.
• Avoiding the Pitfall of Hiring for Potential: The podcast warns against the common mistake of hiring based on potential rather than the candidate's current skill set and alignment with the desired role. They stress on using purpose-built questions during interviews to ensure the candidates are as proficient as they claim.
• Strategies for Multiple Role Hirings: Mercer and Jeff analyze the challenges of hiring for multiple roles simultaneously compared to a single role, highlighting the risks of settling for candidates who seem good only on paper. They advocate for seeking candidates who can perform exceptionally from the onset without requiring nurturing.
• Maintaining Relationships with Top Candidates: The hosts recount personal experiences with keeping the lines of communication open with strong candidates who might not have been hired initially. The story of Julie Brody, who transitioned from a DMA to a director position, underscores the benefits of maintaining relationships with potential top performers. They further emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with top performers, fostering a network of excellence and growth.

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