What happens when someone joins your team and you realize they may not be fully aligned? In this episode of Recruiting Conversations, I break down how to address early misalignment with clarity, courage, and care, before it turns into a long-term retention issue or damages your culture.

Whether it's attitude, communication, or trust, the earlier you notice and name it, the easier it is to realign or release. This episode gives you a 6-step playbook to navigate the tension without fear, frustration, or avoidance.

Episode Breakdown

[00:00] Introduction – Every leader will eventually onboard someone who looks right on paper but doesn't align in practice. Now what? [01:00] The Bigger Risk – Misalignment is more dangerous than underperformance. It affects culture, not just outcomes. [02:00] Step 1: Define What Alignment Looks Like – Get clear on the values, behaviors, and expectations that define your culture. [03:00] Step 2: Identify the Specific Gap – Don't generalize. Pinpoint exactly what feels off so you can coach clearly. [04:00] Step 3: Create a Conversation, Not a Confrontation – Lead with curiosity. Ask honest, open-ended questions to surface real issues. [05:00] Step 4: Reset Expectations With Clarity – Paint a picture of what alignment looks like going forward and ask for real commitment. [06:00] Step 5: Track Engagement, Not Just Results – Culture is upheld through presence and connection, not just numbers. [07:00] Step 6: Release With Grace When Needed – If misalignment persists, exit with dignity while protecting the integrity of your team.

Key Takeaways

• You Can Coach Skills. You Can't Coach Misalignment – Values, trust, and direction must be shared or it won't work.

• Specificity Creates Clarity – Define the gap. Don't settle for "they don't fit."

• Start With Curiosity – Misalignment might be fear, burnout, or past leadership wounds. Ask first.

• Culture Is What You Allow – If you tolerate misalignment, you rewrite the rules of the culture for everyone.

• Aligned Teams Self-Regulate – When alignment is strong, the team reinforces it without you having to manage it.

Leadership isn't about waiting until it breaks. It's about noticing the drift and stepping in early with conviction and care.

Want help building a recruiting and retention system that aligns with your values and scales with your growth? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or book a strategy session at bookrichardnow.com. Let's build the kind of team that believes in what you're building.