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Hire Today…Gone Tomorrow …Maybe ...Maybe Not
February 18, 2020
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The process of finding someone to hire is like a combination of online dating services and speed dating. In the end both parties are hoping for a lasting relationship. When you make the decision to hire, it’s in the moment without thought to length of employment. Whether it works out or not, don’t second guess yourself. Keep in mind that you hired someone based on what you knew at the time.
I should Have Stuck to My Plan …
I once had to replace the lead host for my morning show while I was coordinating an annual station event. It was the only time in my career I did not follow my usual steps to find a replacement. Instead I relied on our consultant to help find someone. He had an ear for talent but had been years removed from dealing with office politics.
Finding That Missing Link …
Being a former air personality, I understand the idiosyncrasies and quirks of the talented few. My goal was to always hire the creative who possessed the ability to pass for sane. I did not need someone that would jeopardize the station’s reputation or cause me to lose my job.
Should Have Followed My Instincts …
I took my eye off the ball and took the consultant’s advice to hire a new air personality. Her demo was awesome and several PD peers of mine gave a thumbs up; but they left out her tendency to cause havoc in the workplace. Again, I should have known better and slowed down from the event planning to go through my own unorthodox way of finding an air personality.
She Sounded Great … But
You can tell by what I've been saying that the new hire turned out to be a disaster. She sounded great, but almost cost me an established co-host, conned the brother of a fellow air talent out of money, and caused problems with sales. In other words, she was more trouble than she was worth. Timing is everything, so I kept everyone calm until after our event. Immediately following our gala and before her 90-day probation period was up, I let her go. A lesson learned, never be so busy as to not follow your own hiring practices.
Choose Wisely …Then Wait …
Office politics are undervalued in radio. This is a business of skills and psychological warfare. It’s a walk down a corridor of good times, bad times, he said, she said, it’s their fault, and “what the hell was that?” When hiring; do background checks, talk to former employers, hold auditions for on-air positions, and remember: “you can lead, but you can’t make them follow.”
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