Ducks in a Row: Hiring Outside the Box
by Miki Saxon
If your focus is to foster innovation you are unlikely to do it by hiring in your comfort zone.
Tech managers around the country are whining about the lack of available talent, because they ignore those caught in the 2008 crash and those who don’t fit the typical profile.
Autistic people are so far outside the box that the idea won’t even cross most managers’ minds, but it’s crossing the smartest—including SAP.
“By concentrating on the abilities that every talent brings to the table, we can redefine the way we manage diverse talents. With Specialisterne, we share a common belief that innovation comes from the ‘edges.’ Only by employing people who think differently and spark innovation will SAP be prepared to handle the challenges of the 21st century.” –Luisa Delgado, SAP human resources chief
When hiring you have a choice.
You can chase the same people as everyone else or you can turn your back on the tried and comfortable; there is an enormous amount of talent just lying around for the taking.
At least there is for the good managers who understand that their real job is to build, develop and support their people.
Flickr image credit: wallygrom
