Talent acquisition is an art that requires strategy, knowledge, and presence. Leaders often frustrate their team’s performance and may wonder if they could be better leaders. However, it’s crucial to consider whether they have identified the right talent for their needs. Drawing from my recruiting and talent management career, I’ve learned valuable insights on acquiring and retaining the best talent. Here are four critical components to help you address challenges in your leadership style or hiring practices.

1. Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Effective Leadership

Self-awareness is the first and most crucial component of successful talent acquisition and leadership. Understanding your own leadership style and how it interacts with different personalities is essential. It’s important to note that complementing personalities are more valuable than those merely “like yours.” Avoid falling into the “like me” bias trap, as diversity in perspectives can be highly beneficial. Self-awareness allows you to adapt your leadership approach to better connect with and effectively lead a diverse team.

2. Total Clarity About Position Requirements

Leaders must be completely clear about what a position requires from the beginning. Setting clear expectations upfront is essential. If you don’t know how an employee’s success in a particular role will be measured, neither will they. Clearly defined expectations provide a roadmap for leaders and employees, ensuring alignment and a shared vision for success.

3. Effective Onboarding: The Crucial First 90 Days

Effective onboarding is a critical component of talent acquisition. Consider implementing a 90-day onboarding period that allows you to assess new employees’ performance capabilities. This period not only gives your new hires time to acclimate to their roles but also allows you to gauge their fit within your organization. If they don’t meet your standards during this probationary period, it’s okay to let them go. It’s in the best interest of both parties to part ways early, enabling the new hire to find a better-suited opportunity where they can excel.

4. Learn from Hiring Mistakes

Learning from hiring mistakes is one of the most critical aspects of talent acquisition and leadership improvement. Refrain from repeating the same errors in judgment. Seek outside perspectives, such as a colleague or consultant, to assist with interviewing. An external viewpoint can provide valuable insights and help you avoid repeating mistakes. Continuously refining your hiring practices is essential for long-term success.

Leadership and talent acquisition are interdependent. Effective leadership begins with self-awareness and extends to identifying and nurturing the right talent. By following these four critical components – self-awareness, clarity about position requirements, effective onboarding, and learning from hiring mistakes – you can improve your leadership style and enhance your team’s overall performance. Remember, employees must be a match for success, and it’s your responsibility as a leader to make that happen.