Unleashing the Power of Attraction: Building Your Dream Team

By Kara Lehmann

In our industry, there’s a prevailing notion that finding exceptional staff is an impossible feat. It often feels disheartening to witness such negativity surrounding the process of hiring and nurturing a team.

Yet, let’s pause and reflect on the profound impact our mindset can have on the outcome. If we approach recruitment with scepticism, anticipating demands, lack of experience, and potential deceit, then we inadvertently invite those very elements into our lives.

As business owners, we must embody the qualities we seek in others. By cultivating a positive mindset and radiating enthusiasm, we transform the recruitment process.

Admittedly, we may have encountered unpleasant experiences with staff in the past. However, it is important to remember that not everyone should be painted with the same brush. While frustrations may exist, a change in approach can lead us to unprecedented success.

So, how can we embark on a different path to hiring?

First and foremost, let’s examine how we present ourselves as a business and a brand. The most successful and high-performing teams effortlessly attract exceptional talent because they sell the experience of being part of something extraordinary. Through their social media presence, their brand identity, the longterm commitment of their employees, and their thriving enterprises, they make an indelible impact. They inspire their industry peers, who dream of joining their remarkable organisations.

Therefore, I pose a question: Are you effectively showcasing the larger mission and vision of your business through your marketing touchpoints?

Next, let’s reconsider the expectations we place on our employees. Do we make them feel valued, connected to a grander purpose, and empowered to make a genuine impact through their work? Are we leading with inspiration, mutual respect, and nurturing their growth?

Considering that our industry includes many women seeking flexible work arrangements to accommodate their families, it is crucial to offer genuine flexibility and supportive pathways. Failing to nurture them during this season of life may result in the loss of incredible women from our profession. One effective approach is breaking down roles into smaller ones, allowing for shared shifts and providing a robust support system.

In my own experience, I witnessed the incredible dedication of mothers who craved the flexibility to work around their children’s needs. Instead of being disheartened by unexpected challenges, such as their kids falling ill or the necessity of working only on weekends or nights, I devised a plan that ensured they felt safe and understood when discussing their needs with me.

Furthermore, let’s delve into what we truly seek in our employees. Do we possess clarity regarding the kind of individuals we desire in our businesses? What are their aspirations and the pain points they face in their current employment? By grasping these motivations, we can create a job advertisement that resonates with the right people.

When clients approach me for assistance with crafting a job ad, I often find a lack of a unique selling point—yes, you must sell yourself!— within the job description. These ads frequently lack personal touches, focusing solely on what the business wants and needs, while failing to connect with what candidates seek in their dream job.

I envision job ads as marketing campaigns or social media posts, speaking directly to the reader. They should address their pains, ignite their inspiration, and forge an authentic connection. By truly believing that exceptional individuals still exist and are waiting to join our teams, we open ourselves up to their discovery.

Let’s shift the narrative and recognize that not everyone is out to harm us. Many individuals in our industry seek mentors to guide them and learn from, just as we did when we embarked on our careers.

What worked before may no longer suffice. It’s time to pivot, reigniting a positive mindset around staff recruitment. If we neglect this crucial shift, our industry will stagnate, and the cherished role.