Hire Lions

[1:40 read time]

Organizations with a long institutional history can fall into ruts of the people they hire. They want people who follow the rules and conform to the nice, safe, predetermined templates outlined by the personnel handbook. But, I would argue that even though you say you want this person, you don’t. If you want a stronger organization, you want lions.

(Patrick bet David illuminated this idea in his book, Your Next Five Moves.)

A lion is a team member who can be unruly and tough to manage. They break rules and they can get loud. Sometimes, they’re mean. Often, they’re aggressive.

But you want lions around. People follow lions. They get things done. They’re not afraid of challenges and they’re dangerous and strong.

Additionally, they’re difficult because lions challenge the leader’s tactics. It’s a challenge for the leader to have lions around. Recruiting a lion will reshape leadership.

If you want a team member who will follow the rules and be nice and polite and always ask permission, hire the status quo. Hire a sheep.

But, if you want a team member who other team members will follow, hire a lion. And, after you hire them, stop trying to make them a sheep.

And be honest about who you’re hiring. You hire a sheep for you (because they’re not a burden to lead). But you hire a lion for the good of the organization (even though you know they may be high maintenance).

And be honest about your long-game for them. Don’t hire a lion and try to make them into a sheep. And don’t hire sheep and try to make them into a lion.

Even in my family and my classes, are the people who exhibit the traits of the lions fostered and cultivated, or quashed? Conversely, are the traits of the sheep exalted and praised over the unruly lion?

At least put some consideration into it. Consider hiring lions.