Things Have Changed. 12 Characteristics Of The Person You Now Need To Hire

We live in a world that is changing at an exponential pace.  As a result, the type of person you need to be adding to your team is completely different from even two years ago.  But what type of profile does that person have? 

There is currently an unprecedented explosion of offensive performance in the NFL.  In the November 7th edition of Sports Illustrated, Peter King assembled a panel of experts to determine why.  As I read the article and the cutting edge approaches teams are taking to modern offenses, I felt there were definite parallels to modern businesses and organizations. 

You want to hire people who:

• Have Maturity And Experience (Even At A Young Age) – There is a definite maturity of quarterbacks who are now entering the league.  “There’s not much he hasn’t seen” says Jay Gruden on Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton who has been involved in 7-on-7 passing leagues since the 7th grade.  Guz Malzahn adds, “As a coach, week-in and week-out in (the SEC), you’re seeing the same schemes you’ll see on the next level.”
• Understand Market Success – Sean Payton says, “Our league has always paid close attention to who wins the Super Bowl.  Ownership, coaches, front offices, G.M.’s always study what just won.” 
• Are Skilled Enough To Make Others Better – Quarterbacks need help.  Jerry Gray observed that “I see a lot more offensive lineman coming out of college who are ready for the NFL passing game.”
• Are Fearless – Payton learned from his high school coach that “the biggest thing you’ve got to overcome first is your fear of throwing it.”
• Recognize And Take Advantage Of Opportunity – Young people today have more access and opportunity than any previous generation.  Gray notes, “Now we’re talking about guys (in high school) who have indoor facilities in their schools and they’re throwing it and throwing it and throwing it…So they get to our game and they’re used to it…With the influx of kids who understand the passing game and aren’t afraid to throw it, they hit the ground running.”
• You Are Willing To Build Around – “Teams have molded their game around the guys they draft, as opposed to, ‘You come in and learn my system'” says Gray.
• Lack Distractions – You need to place your best talent in uncluttered situations so they can perform.  Brian Burke points out that, “Just get your best player the ball, let him get into open space and make somebody miss.”
• See Things Differently – The world is now different and we need people who see things differently on our teams.  Payton notes that “Bill Parcells said he’s learned not to hold a certain criteria for height and weight (for running backs).  He want (them) to be built powerfully in the lower body.”
• Are Highly Intelligent – “You have to have some guys who can solve problems and (Darren) Sproles is a quick thinker.  You can teach a choice route to 15 different backs and spend six months on it, and after they begin to master some of the techniques, pretty soon the smart guy always seems to be open” says Payton.
• Know They Can Accomplish More With Others – Smart organizations know where opportunity is and put as many people and resources there as they possibly can.  Mike Leach’s coaching philosophy was , “The one thing that’s never changed in football in my opinion is leveraging numbers in space.  If they overload players, you’re at a disadvantage.  If you can find or create space, attack it.” 
• Can Affect The Competition – “You want to speed up their (opponent’s) brains to slow down their legs – keep them thinking and keep them guessing” says Burke.
• Produce – A lot of people can talk a great game.  Count what counts.  Does a person produce.  Payton says, “Just attempting a pass doesn’t cut it.  In other words, are you good at or are you not?”

 Leaders, what type of skills are now looking for in people you add to your team?

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