BestFit PEO Blog

Building a Winning Team: Why Attitude Is Just as Important as Skillset for Business Success

Written by Kristi Thornton | Oct 15, 2024 7:41:13 PM

A staggering 46% of new hires fail within 18 months, not because they lack the necessary technical skills, but because of issues with attitude. 

This statistic highlights a critical but often overlooked element of recruiting: the right attitude is just as vital as the right skillset. Hiring the right people can make or break your business.

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, where adaptability, innovation, and collaboration drive success, finding and attracting employees who bring both expertise and the right mindset can significantly impact your company’s growth.

If you're solely hiring for skills, you may be missing out on the real game-changers—those with the attitude to thrive, learn, and contribute to your company’s unique culture. 

Here are five strategies that help you find the best people:

  1. Well-Define the Role and Desired Attitude
  2. Conduct an On-site Visit
  3. Tailor Your Candidate Search
  4. Conduct Behavior-based Interviews
  5. Continuous Feedback and Adjustment

Let’s explore these and prove how a strategic approach to talent acquisition, focusing on both skillset and attitude, can help you build a team that accelerates your business growth.

 

1 | Define the Role and Desired Attitude 



The first step to attracting top talent starts with defining the role and the attitude you're seeking. 

A clear job description outlining essential skills, core responsibilities, and qualifications is only half the battle. Equally crucial is identifying attitudes and values that align with your company’s culture

It’s important to craft job descriptions that not only attract technically qualified candidates, but also those who embody the company's ethos. Just ask the specialists at BestFit Recruiting who help organizations build better teams.

When you clearly articulate the values you need, you’re more likely to draw candidates who fit—both in skill and attitude.

 

2 | Conduct an On-Site Company Visit


One of the unique services we recommend is the on-site company visit. It’s more than just understanding the job; it’s about seeing how your team functions in real-time. 

This visit provides the recruiting team with a deep understanding of your company’s environment, team dynamics, and work culture. 

Even with the right skills and attitude, cultural fit remains key.

Group interviews can help candidates interact with prospective team members. These sessions allow candidates to showcase their teamwork, communication, and collaboration abilities. 

A strong cultural fit isn’t just about fitting in—it’s about finding people who add value to your culture, pushing your team to new heights.

A job description can only convey so much, but when recruiters experience the space firsthand, they can better match candidates to your business. The outcome?

Candidates who are not only skilled but also seamlessly integrate into your organizational culture.

 

3 | Tailored Candidate Search


In the search for candidates who bring the ideal mix of skills and attitude, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. We found a tailored approach works the best.

Identifying individuals who exhibit flexibility, creativity, and a collaborative mindset, takes the team at BestFit Recruiting to utilize advanced technologies and a wide-reaching network to do it well. 

It’s about tapping into diverse industries to find those who can meet your technical requirements while thriving in your unique environment. 

This tailored candidate search ensures that we’re not just filling a vacancy—we’re identifying the future leaders of your organization.

 

4 | Conduct Behavior-Based Interviews


Attitude is tough to gauge through traditional interviews. That’s why behavior-based interviews are essential. 

We encourage clients to craft questions designed to reveal how candidates have approached situations similar to those in your business environment. 

These targeted interviews allow you to assess a candidate’s problem-solving ability, resilience, and positivity—attributes that go beyond their resume. It's these qualities that often separate good hires from great ones.

 

5 | Continuous Feedback and Adjustment


Hiring isn’t a one-off task; it’s an evolving process. We emphasize the importance of continuous feedback throughout the recruitment process. 

By gathering insights from stakeholders involved in hiring, you can refine your search criteria and improve recruitment strategies. This proactive approach ensures you’re not just hiring for today’s needs but building a team that will drive long-term success.

Your business growth depends not just on finding skilled individuals but on hiring people with the right attitude who align with your company’s values. A mix of skillset and mindset is the secret ingredient for building a high-performing team. 

By defining roles clearly, conducting behavior-based interviews, and continually refining your process, you can ensure your company is always equipped with the right talent—ready to grow and succeed. Remember, it’s not just about filling positions; it’s about building a team that will drive your company’s future.