Visit Carnival of the Capitalists at the Barry Moltz Blog
Carnival of the Capitalists is now up over at the blog of author and angel capitalist, Barry Moltz.
Be sure to check out the entry submitted by Trizoko Biz Journal, entitled “Why You Shouldn’t Hire Superstars.” Based on experience I happen to agree with the premise of the article. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire good people — of course you should. But the superstar is a special breed. My biggest objection with hiring superstars is that their expectations and yours as the employer are almost never aligned. So the relationship tends to be short-lived and disappointing. Read the article to see why.
The Carnival of the Capitalists is a weekly online roundup of business writings from various blogs. Visit the Carnival of the Capitalists home page for more information.
August 16th, 2006 at 1:12 am
Hi Anita:
I couldn’t disagree more…As you pointed out aligning expectations at the outset is critical, but assuming this is done why would you want anything other than a superstar? I have always sought the best talent available and would not be doing my job if I hired anything less than teir-one talent. I will say that there is a distinct difference between a primadonna and a superstar…The primadonna has all the attitude and no talent while the superstar possess both the talent and the willingness to work within the system…
Thanks Anita…
August 17th, 2006 at 12:24 am
Hi Mike, thanks for your comment. Yes, I think we may be closer in opinion than it seems — partly it may be a case of semantics.
I equate most superstars with being prima donnas. Mostly interested in themselves … rarely emotionally invested in the company’s interests … overinflating their own importance … ready to trample on others in the organization in their zeal to get ahead.
Who needs people like that?
Now, if they are talented and contribute their talents and are team players … if they inspire others in the organization to rise higher through their own performance … then that’s a different story.
Best,
Anita
August 18th, 2006 at 12:06 am
Hiring Super Stars vs Tolerating Turkeys
Microsoft has one real point measurement for hiring. IQ Your Business Blogger has hired (computer) coders, sales reps…and government bureaucrats. When given the option of head count and budget flexibility, I always recommended to my managers to hire …
September 12th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
[...] In this human resource practice and strategy, there are down-sides as Anita Campbell, my editrix here at Small Business Trends citing the Trizoko Biz Journal mentions. She and others make the valid point that Super Star and Aces are nearly impossible to manage. And, indeed, can only be managed by Super Star managers. [...]