And how you can avoid the same mistake.
If you want to build a team that drives innovation, hits ambitious targets, and stays ahead of the competition, then the key lies in one fundamental decision that every manager must make. If you get this decision right, then you’ll create a powerhouse team that lifts your entire organisation to new heights.
But here’s the challenge: you might be doing the exact opposite without even realising it. Because most managers fall into a common trap that leads to underperforming teams, stifled growth, and a culture that never reaches its potential.
If you want to avoid this fate and build a team that excels, there’s one crucial change you need to make in your approach to hiring.
The power of hiring well: What most managers get wrong
Hiring well is not just about filling roles; it’s about shaping the future of your company. The famous advertising executive David Ogilvy once said to his managers:
“If we hire people bigger than ourselves, we will become a company of giants. If we hire people who are smaller than ourselves, we will become a company of pygmies and fade into irrelevance.”
🛑 The problem? Many companies fall into one of two traps: either settling for “good enough” hires because of time pressure, or feeling threatened by candidates who could outshine them. Here’s what often happens:
- ‘A’ players will wait and hire only ‘A’ players because they want to build strong, capable teams that challenge them and drive success. However…
- ‘B’ players hire ‘C’ players because they feel more comfortable with subordinates who won’t push them out of their comfort zone or they were pressured to hire ‘on time’.
- Over time, this leads to a company filled with mediocre performers, which stifles innovation, progress, and morale.
The solution: Aim for giants, not pygmies
To avoid the trap of mediocrity and build a powerhouse team:
- Focus on quality, not quantity: It’s better to take longer to find the right person than to settle for a quick fix. A poor hire costs more in the long run.
- Hire people who are smarter than you: Don’t feel threatened by those who could potentially outshine you. They will bring fresh perspectives, challenge norms, and elevate the entire team. If you’re consistently the smartest person in the room – this is a problem. How will you learn!?
- Build a culture that attracts ‘A’ players: Talented individuals want to work with other talented people. If you’re known for hiring top talent, more top talent will want to join.
What happens when you hire ‘A’ players
When you prioritise hiring exceptional talent, here’s what you can expect:
- 🚀 Accelerated growth: ‘A’ players bring energy, ideas, and a drive for success that pushes your company forward.
- 💡 A culture of excellence: High performers naturally set high standards, which lifts the entire team.
- 🎯 Less management, more leadership: With the right people on board, you spend less time managing problems and more time driving strategy.
Ready to build your team of giants?
If you want to transform your team and build a culture of excellence, it all starts with hiring well. Make hiring ‘A’ players your top priority, and watch as they elevate your company to new heights.
👉 Want to dive deeper into effective management? Download our free guide to improving your 1-to-1s. It covers everything from checking in and giving feedback to coaching and future planning—essential tools for keeping your ‘A’ players engaged and growing.
Start today by setting the bar high, and never lower it. Your future giants are out there—make sure you find them.
