How many times have you asked a department manager or a business owner or CEO how it is going and their answer is always, “Good . . . but . . .”

There is always a but and more than half the time, the 'but' has to do with personnel.

It seems as though companies are always looking for people and frequently not having any luck. In my opinion, whether you are looking for a job or anxious to hire someone, it is all about properly setting expectations.

There is a great term I love to use which is 'ambiguity of expectation.' I want to hire the perfect manager and I meet a person and I want to believe that they are the right person and I project my feelings onto that person even if it is not appropriate.

At the same time, the person being interviewed wants to believe that this is the perfect job and everything they are looking for in a position is embodied in this particular position.

Both sides could be making a mistake.

I hate to once again bring up the word “list,” but I strongly recommend you make a list of the different tasks that you expect the employee to perform, be honest with them about what it is you expect and ask them if they are in a position to give you what you want.

Hiring the wrong person can be more costly than not hiring anyone at all. It takes time away from other people in the company that have to help the new person and it is disheartening if it does not work out.

It is an important process so take the time to do it right. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

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