Written by Larry Janis, Managing Partner, Integrated Search Solution Group, LLC
An example of this was certainly reflected in the recent NFL Draft held in New York. The Colts got the number one draft pick and chose Andrew Luck to lead their team as quarterback. The picked him because according to scouting reports: “He is tough, durable and willing to step into a throw with oncoming rushers breathing down his neck.” The team I happen to root for, the 49ers, went in a slightly different direction: they picked wide receiver AJ Jenkins because he is quick off the ball and gets to top speed quickly. If he gets a free release, the defensive corner-backs will have a tough time staying with him.
So let’s take a look at our side of the playing field, business. There are two important aspects to a business; sales and service. Both of these critical business functions are driven primarily by the perspective and abilities of the people who perform those functions. Certainly, you can provide people with better tools, better systems, and better delivery methodologies, etc. The bottom line of all this is very simple: good people get good results. Better people get better results and superior people get superior results.
Some examples of businesses that enjoyed superior results by recruiting superior people:
- JP Morgan Chase recruited James Dimon from Banc One Corporation in 2004. Since then, JPMorgan Chase has become the leading U.S. bank in domestic assets under management, market capitalization value, and publicly traded stock value.
- Apple got Steve Jobs back from Disney and we all have seen the results of that with iPods, iPads and iPhones. Apple is now the top ranked retailer in the U.S. in terms of sales per square foot.
- Ford recruited Alan Mulally from Boeing in 2006. Ford is the only US car maker to avoid government-sponsored bankruptcy.
Business has always been, and will always be, about people. Technology aside (by the way, designed and built by people), the future will continue that way. Our view is businesses will never suffer from a shortage of ideas or processes (again, people driven). As Richard Branson said in a 2010 interview: “People are one of the most important assets of any business. The Virgin Group would be nothing without the great employees we have attracted over the years.”
Every season, it’s worth taking a fresh look at your team and decide which positions are vulnerable – whether it’s your offense or your defense. Scout the opponents in your division and recruit your top draft picks to help get you to your business goal line.