How do we make sure we are bringing in the right talent to carry us into the twenty first century? Equally important, how do we identify the skills that help a person succeed and be happy in the new position?

Hiring is a skill utilizing a structured process to identify the right talent for a position. It is a process of asking the right questions, to generate the right information, to make the right hiring decision. Hiring is the first step in an ongoing process of performance management. Hiring an employee with the right set of skills makes your job as a manager much easier when it comes to coaching, feedback, and achieving results. Selecting an employee with the right set of skills is a competitive advantage over competitors who do not use a structured selection process.

Do this by knowing where you are headed as an organization. Define a vision statement and know which core competencies will get you there. As you move towards your vision ask, "Which people skills are important and which behaviors do we want to foster?" Hire towards competencies and behaviors. Doing this selects individuals who fit your culture and have the best chance of succeeding from the very beginning.

Once hired, how do we protect our investment? Unemployment is at a 25 year low and recruiters have never been busier. Studies show that the cost associated with identifying, interviewing, and selecting a new hire can run as much as 35% of annual salary.

Where do we begin protecting our human assets? Are you constantly telling your employees what to do or are you asking them what should be done? A good place to start is creating an environment of mutual trust and shared involvement. Most employees seem to need a better reason to get up in the morning than money.

Treat your employees like valued adults, give them the freedom to experiment, and surround them with a dynamic purpose (the burning platform). The need to learn, to grow, to be part of something exciting, and to feel important is core in all of us. Turnover in the top 10 of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" averaged just 6.6%, more than 50% less than the average for their industry. Treat employees the way they want to be treated and they will be happy, productive, motivated and remain committed.