A critical part of hiring people who can assist you in taking your company to the next level is being able to articulate what you need.

In his book, It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership, Colin Powell lists the traits he “treasures” (his word) in people who work with him.  It’s a list of characteristics necessary in every field, military, civil service, non-profit or corporate.  Powell looks for people who: 

• Solve problems before he knows they exist
• Have strengths where he has weaknesses
• Are not afraid to take charge
• Find ways to make his job easier
• Don’t surprise him with bad news
• Don’t act on instructions they don’t fully understand
• Show up on time – all the time
• Speak precisely
• Do the analysis and don’t make snap decisions

Finding qualified people in today’s competitive environment is challenging but knowing what you’re looking for will help you ask the right questions.