Why I Stopped Hiring People Like Me

One of my greatest early failures leading our team at Cooke Media Group was hiring people that were just like me. For years, I assumed I should hire people I liked, so I hired outgoing, creative, people-oriented employees – essentially, people just like me.

I loved the team, and we had a great time working together, but it didn’t take long to start losing money fast. I finally realized that I’d already hired me, and what we needed were people with gifts and talents I didn’t have.  

So I started hiring people who loved working with budgets, tech, schedules, and details – definitely not my strengths.

So if you’re like I used to be, and wondering why your team isn’t operating more effectively, then stop hiring people like you.

And be secure enough to hire people smarter than you – especially in areas where you’re weak.  

That insight alone transformed our team.

Read more from Phil Cooke »

This article originally appeared on philcooke.com and is reposted here by permission.

Phil Cooke
Phil Cookehttp://cookemediagroup.com

Phil Cooke is a filmmaker, media consultant, and founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville. His latest book is Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis. Find out more at PhilCooke.com.

Grover Park Baptist Church: A Thread of Hope

At auction, the quilts go for hundreds or even thousands of dollars that directly help women and children in need, providing funds for baby and maternity items at the pregnancy resource center.

There’s No Contradiction Between God’s Empowerment and Our Efforts to Battle Sin

The Christian life is not a choice between loving and trusting Jesus, and making an effort to avoid temptation and sin. It is not either/or—it is both/and.

Worth the Cost: The Challenges and Joys of Church Multiplication

The joy of reproduction multiplies exponentially when we release leaders and see their kingdom impact ripple into new communities.