A few years back, I had a new lad start on a Monday. By Friday, he’d ghosted me.
No call. No message. Just vanished. Turns out, he found the work too “stressful” and “wasn’t feeling aligned.” Whatever that means…
Now, I’ve been in business a long time. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “seriously, what were they thinking?” when it comes to hiring. Building the right team is never easy – but lately, it’s got a whole lot harder.
Why? One word: Gen Z. And I’m not just making this up. A 2023 Resume Builder survey found that three-quarters of managers (74%!) said Gen Z workers are the most challenging generation to work with. One in ten had even fired a Gen Z employee in the first week. What were the main reasons? Probably not what you’d think… Lack of tech skills (oddly enough), low motivation, getting easily distracted and being easily offended came top of the list…
It’s not exactly a glowing reference. But here’s the thing – I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom. I’ve had my fair share of challenges with staff over the years (what business owner hasn’t?). But right now, the team at Millennium is the best we’ve ever had. Proper grafters. They buy into the mission, the culture, the purpose. They care. And that’s not by accident. We’ve learned to hire for attitude, not just skill. Because you can teach someone how to book a container or navigate customs clearance. But you can’t teach work ethic. Or respect. Or grit. Or a positive attitude. We look for team players. People who get stuck in. People who lift others up. People who understand that success is a team sport. And when it works? It’s magic.
The best teams are diverse. Different ages, backgrounds, and perspectives. That’s where the real strength lies. But it only works if everyone’s pulling in the same direction. So if you’re hiring – don’t get blinded by shiny CVs or trendy buzzwords. Look for character. Culture fit. Coachability. Because who you have in your business matters. A lot.
So what’s the one trait you always look for when hiring someone new? I’d be interested to know…