Making Hard Choices Part 2

Making Hard Choices Part 2: Hiring Teachers

The other day I had the unpleasant task of filling out a wage garnishment form for one of my former teachers. Two years ago, my business partner and I finally had the courage to part ways with this person.  Yet here we were, in 2011, still bogged down by the endless repercussions of not being clear and not knowing how to say no.

There is nothing worse for a business’ prospects than allowing the wrong people into it. Choosing people is not about knowing what you don’t want, but what you do want.  Don’t make the mistake of settling for less.

In order to recognize those teachers who are not a good fit, we must first know exactly what kind of people we want to attract. We need people who will support our vision, hold the same values as us, and most of all reflect the kind of business we are trying to build.

Hiring The Right People

Whether you are just starting a studio or preparing for expansion, the first step to hiring the right people is taking time to get clear. Write down all of the qualities you are looking for in a teacher. What are you unwilling to compromise on? What values must be shared between the prospective new partner and yourself? Knowing or thinking is not enough. It’s too easy to let one or two things slide when you are sitting in an interview and desperately wanting someone to be the right person. Make a list, write a clear job description, and stick to it.

The biggest mistake you can make is to accept people into your business because you feel you have to. In the beginning of our studio we had a very clear vision, but we did not have a clear sense of what kind of teacher did and didn’t meet that vision. And because we had been rushed into opening and needed teachers badly, we settled for teachers who did not entirely line up with our values.  Together, we all then lumbered down a road fraught with frustration and resentment.

Three Necessary Qualities:

1. Self-motivated – There is no other way to create a forward moving, motivated team of people than to hire those who are already motivated!

Interview Tips:

Don’t ask expected questions.

Dig deeply. Work to uncover the real person by asking them challenging questions that will give you insight into their values and motivations.

Invite them to ask questions. If they don’t have thoughtful questions for you in return, that’s a warning sign.

2. Skillfulness and Ability – Require them to teach a demo. Don’t just take their word for it. Also get references from past clients, not just employers.

3. Presentation – They must be comfortable talking about what they do, why they do it and why a prospective student should do it too. This is one of the most difficult skills to teach and you shouldn’t have to. Hire teachers who are excited about what they do and can portray that to everyone.