What to Do When You Get the Hiring Decision Wrong

Let’s face it. When we get hiring decisions wrong, the consequences can be painful. Lost time, money and productivity, together with low morale and damaged relationships, are among the most common impacts I see. The decisions you make about who to appoint to each role matter not only to the individual’s success but also to the performance of your business as a whole. 

Reflect for a moment on when you’ve gotten hiring decisions wrong. Have there been times when you’ve hired someone, only to decide soon after their probationary period has ended that they aren’t working out? All too often, I observe leaders missing the valuable opportunity employment probation provides to continue the assessment process and validate hiring decisions. Consider your recruitment process as complete only at the end of probation. 

Take deliberate steps throughout the early stages of employment to continue your assessment of each person’s suitability for their role and your team.  

Two essential questions you need to ask yourself and other members of your leadership team about every new starter include: 

1. Do they behave in ways that we need and want them to? 

2. Can they perform the tasks of the role to the standard we expected? 

If you get the hiring decision wrong, the most important steps you can take include these: 

Engage in Honest Conversations Early 

Provide truthful insight into concerns and help your new team member understand areas for improvement. Don’t wait until the probationary period is almost over to give feedback, as this reduces their opportunity to meet expectations. 

Don’t Kid Yourself 

Avoid being overly optimistic about someone's ability to improve. Recognize when training or coaching is worth investing in, but also know when it’s time for them to move on. 

Take the Action You Need To 

When it's clear that the person is not meeting expectations despite efforts, part ways respectfully. Avoiding the issue will only prolong the negative impact on your team and business. 

Learn from the Experience 

Reflect on how the hiring decision was made and identify how you can avoid repeating mistakes. Invest in your leadership team’s ability to assess candidates accurately, particularly in terms of capabilities and cultural fit.