The article “New Leaders, Here’s How to Hire a Top Talent” from Harvard Business Review offers valuable insights for managers on how to effectively hire top talent. The piece emphasizes that building a strong team is crucial for a manager’s success and career advancement.
While skills like communication, decision-making, empathy, and adaptability are widely discussed for new managers, the ability to hire top talent is often overlooked but equally crucial. (https://hbr.org/2024/01/new-leaders-heres-how-to-hire-a-top-talent)

I’ve learned that building a high-performing team is more about quality than quantity. Here are some best practices I could share when hiring new team members

🧩 Complement, Don’t Duplicate
The goal is to find someone who fills the gaps, not someone who mirrors existing skills. For instance, if your team excels in frontend development but struggles with UX, prioritize candidates with that expertise.

🎯 Focus on Potential, Not Just Experience
While experience is valuable, don’t overlook candidates with high potential. Look for quick learners, problem-solvers, and those with a growth mindset. These traits often lead to long-term success and innovation within the team.

🤝 Cultural Fit is Key
Technical skills can be taught, but values and work ethics are inherent. Ensure the candidate aligns with your team’s culture and company values. A cohesive team is often more productive and enjoyable to work with.

🔬 Implement Practical Assessments
Move beyond traditional interviews. Although they could slow down the process, I like to incorporate coding challenges. These real-world scenarios provide insights into a candidate’s problem-solving approach and teamwork abilities.

📈 Long-term Vision Alignment
Discuss the candidate’s career aspirations and ensure they align with your team’s long-term goals. A hire who sees a future with your team is more likely to be engaged and committed.

The goal isn’t to build the biggest team, but the most effective one. Each new hire should elevate the team’s capabilities and contribute to a more dynamic, innovative environment.