Hire for Values, Train for Skills

Author

Ashish Kumar
January 22, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Hey Readers

Good Morning!

I’ve been thinking a lot about the hiring process lately, and one thing stands out to me: when building a team, it's so easy to get caught up in the skills someone brings to the table.

This is why I believe in the principle: "Hire for values, train for skills."

So let’s move to our learning segment with a sip of coffee.

1% BETTER MORNING

Hire for Values, Train for Skills


Skills can be taught, but values? Those are non-negotiable.


Imagine hiring a brilliant coder who’s also toxic. Their skills might shine, but their attitude can poison the team. Startups thrive on collaboration, trust, and shared values.

When you prioritize values over skills, you’re building a team that’s aligned, motivated, and resilient. This doesn’t mean skills don’t matter — they do — but values like integrity, work ethic, and teamwork are foundational.

Example:
Zappos famously prioritizes cultural fit over skills. They even offer new hires $2,000 to quit if they feel they don’t belong — ensuring only the committed stay.

During interviews, look for red flags. If someone says, “That’s not my job,” run! Startups need people ready to roll up their sleeves and tackle any challenge.

Action Points:

  1. Identify the core values of your startup and assess candidates against them. Values might include teamwork, innovation, and resilience.

  2. Include behavioral questions in interviews to test for integrity and collaboration. For example: “Tell me about a time you faced a conflict at work. How did you handle it?”

  3. Set clear expectations for a team-first attitude from day one.

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