I know most of you would rather not talk about hiring new people at this time, because you think it means adding to headcount. Increasing costs during a time of economic uncertainty is certainly not a wise choice. I’m also quite certain that many of you viewed the recent National Football League draft with great interest. Aren’t the pro football team owners also in a recession? Why did they attend a draft this year? Wouldn’t they have been better off skipping this year in favor of saving money? Do you know the history of football teams who have skipped a draft for one reason or another? Invariably such teams have suffered tremendously in the standings. The NFL owners realize that drafting new talent is not about adding to headcount. They are only allowed a set number of players on their rosters. For every draft choice signed, they need to cut or trade away a veteran. Why do they do this? Because veterans eventually burn out, or see their skills and/or enthusiasm diminish. It’s the same way in every business. The employees that get you from point A to point B, are not the same employees you need to get you from point B to point C. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself what Donald Trump, Jack Welch, or George Steinbrenner would do if they inherited your staff. That’s right. They’d decide to do an upgrade. And they would never trade future draft choices to take on a veteran player from another team. Because, like in the small business world, veteran players who are available on the market are generally your competitor’s rejects. In seeking new players or employees, rule number one is to hire people who will fit in with your system or culture, and to favor potential over experience. Here’s an excellent case study.
In 2006, Gary Kubiak was named head coach of the Houston Texans. His first job was to decide what college players to draft, and he actually had the first pick of the entire draft. The fans had already made up their minds. Vince Young grew up in Houston and led the University of Texas to a National Championship as their quarterback. Young was the Heisman trophy runner-up and a sure shot to bring the Texans to the Super Bowl. If Kubiak was “crazy enough” to pass on Young, the fans would settle for Reggie Bush, the exciting Heisman Trophy winner who was Mr. Offense as a running back for USC. Who did Kubiak draft? Mario Williams, an unheralded defensive end who did not even get named on the top ten list of Heisman Trophy candidates. Kubiak made his selection and it took three years for the fans to forgive him. Young had a good start with the rival Tennessee Titans before falling out of favor and becoming a second string malcontent. He since has made a comeback, but the jury’s still out on him. Most fans would agree that the Texans are much better off with Matt Schaub at quarterback than they would be had they drafted Vince Young. Bush, despite showing flashes of brilliance, became an often injured part time player for New Orleans. Williams became a franchise player that the Texans could build an entire team around.
Houston Chronicle writer John McClain described Kubiak as follows: “Kubiak would rather watch tape of players in action than attend pro days. He puts a lot of stock in meeting with players and getting a feel for them, and if he thinks they can fit with what the Texans do.” In other words, he takes “culture” seriously, and doesn’t believe in hiring his competitor’s rejects.
So the next time you’re ready to hire a “hot shot superstar” from the competition….Ask yourself what would Gary Kubiak do?
Barry Sea Siegel has over 35 years’ entrepreneurial experience in both large corporate and small business environments. He is President of Houston based Barry Siegel LLC as well as CEO Focus of Greater Houston, which provides peer advisory groups for small business leaders.
