Ep 114: How to Hire and Lead a High Performing Team with Paula Maidens

Apr 23

How to Hire and Lead a High Performing Team with Paula Maidens

If you've been struggling with hiring or feel like you haven't been able to build a strong team culture, then this is for you. In this episode, hiring and leadership expert Paula Maidens shares her insights on how to hire the right people, create a solid team culture, and lead with confidence. While you listen to the full episode, here are five key takeaways from the episode:

Clarity is Key:

Before hiring someone, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the role and expectations. Paula emphasizes the importance of being specific about what success looks like in the role. For example, if you're hiring a community manager, you might define success as increasing engagement by 20% within the first three months. By setting clear expectations, you can ensure that both you and the candidate are on the same page.

Test for Skills and Fit:

Resumes and interviews can only tell you so much about a candidate. Paula suggests incorporating tests, scenarios, and examples into the hiring process to assess a candidate's skills and fit for the role. For instance, if you're hiring a social media manager, you might ask them to create a sample social media campaign or analyze a previous campaign's performance. These practical assessments can provide valuable insights into a candidate's abilities.

Address Issues with Open Communication:

When facing challenges with a team member, it's important to approach the situation with curiosity and a desire to understand. Paula advises having open and honest conversations to uncover any training, system, or willingness gaps that may be contributing to the issue. For example, if a team member is consistently missing deadlines, you can ask them about their workload and any obstacles they may be facing. By addressing the root cause of the problem, you can work together to find a solution.

Develop a Strong Team Culture:

A strong team culture is built on clear communication, defined roles and responsibilities, and supportive systems. Paula suggests regularly assessing and improving your team culture to ensure everyone feels valued and motivated. For instance, you can implement regular team meetings to foster open communication and provide opportunities for feedback. Additionally, clearly defining roles and responsibilities can help team members understand their contributions and avoid confusion or overlap.

Evolve your Team as you Grow:

As your business scales, roles and responsibilities will evolve. Paula advises going through a formal process when promoting team members to ensure they are the right fit for the new role. This includes defining expectations, addressing any skill gaps, and providing the necessary support for their success. For example, if you're promoting a community manager to a program manager, you might provide additional training or mentorship to help them develop the strategic and analytical mindset required for the new role.

Hiring Like a Pro:

By implementing these hiring tips, you can improve your hiring process, address challenges effectively, and create a positive team culture that supports growth and success. To gain more insights and practical tips, listen to the full podcast episode with Paula Maidens. And if you're ready to take your hiring to the next level, check out Paula's free guide and essential interview questions on her website.