Who: The A Method for Hiring
by Geoff Smart, Randy Street
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Book Summary Information
Author: Geoff Smart, Randy StreetEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-09-30
ISBN: 0345504194
Number of pages: 208
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Book Reviews of Who: The A Method for Hiring
Book Review: A Good but Not Great Book
Summary: 3 Stars
As a corporate director of human resources and business book author, I am always interested in new books that deal with the age-old problem of hiring the right person. I received my preview copy from Churn-baby-churn last week (great service!). It is very well written and flows smoothly from topic to topic. I must say that I was pleased with the overall content of the book but a little disappointed due to the reviews and pre-publication buzz not matching my expectations.
To begin, the subject matter is crucial to an organization's success. Some simply luck into hiring A players (even a blind hog will occasionally find an acorn) but so many do not put in the effort. This book makes a strong point that it is often a lack of effort on the part of management that prevents excellent hiring. I totally agree. I also agree with the "voodoo hiring methods" as I have seen these processes implemented through the years with astounding failure. I have been guilty of "voodoo hiring" myself.
I find difference with two aspects of the book. One is the process of using the Scorecard, Source, Select, Sell approach to hiring. Individually, they all have merit in parts or whole. However, as a system, I believe it would be somewhat cumbersome and eventually fail as a process. It also has the appearance of being a "fad" of which I strive to avoid. With that said, according to an organization's culture, select parts of this process could be adapted and implemented I believe with great success.
The other difference is the author's clear embrace of a total scientific methodology in making selections. In fact, the book states that the `gut instinct" is unreliable and should never be utilized in an interview. For the young and uninitiated manager, I agree. For the mature manager, I would diverge from the book and highly recommend you listen to your "gut". As pointed out in the great book, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell, this instinct is seldom wrong. You can also read more about using your instinct compass in the excellent Up the Organization: How to Stop the Corporation from Stifling People and Strangling Profits (J-B Warren Bennis Series)by Robert Townsend.
Overall, it is a good book, well researched and will stimulate thought as you restructure your hiring process.
I hope you found this review helpful. Michael L. Gooch, SPHR, Author of Wingtips with Spurs: Cowboy Wisdom for Today's Business Leaders.
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