Get Out of the SME's Way! (for your own good)

We often talk about Quality of Hire and I agree that is an important thing. However, what about when you hire a quality person but YOU (the Manager or Leader) are in fact the actual road block to their results? We've also heard the saying "Get out of your own way" but what if that is not the case? What if it is your boss that's in the way?

In this employment market (aka War on Talent), the talented professionals out there have choices, networks of people who will vouch for their super-stardom and they are not held to the same standards as the yet-to-be-determined talent. Therefore, finding them is difficult, retaining them is key and more importantly letting them drive is essential.

In a recent conversation with a new found professional acquaintance we discussed this very topic: Hiring a subject matter expert but then under-utilizing them. He said, "My owner has said flat out that he hires people smarter than him and then gets out of their way"! I echo that statement. If you are a leader hiring talent - you want a subject matter expert. If once you've hired this SME and you still feel the need to micro-manage and control their work, then there is a bigger systemic issue.

So, for all you hiring managers who are hiring subject matter experts to push your business forward...

My advice is this:

In the interview and decision process ask your self

1. If I had to take a medical leave and be out of pocket - would I trust this person to handle the responsibilities of the role successfully? 
2. Would I trust them to make quality decisions? 
3. Would I trust them to make me look good to my peers? 
4. Would they be able to push the agenda forward (results, project, resources or whatever)?

If your answers are at least 95% yes - then hire them and GET OUT OF THE WAY!
If your answers are not at least 95% yes - then DON'T HIRE THEM - keep looking!

It sounds easy doesn't it? However, we get caught up in a lot of different things like the length of time to fill the position or the competitiveness of the market and we become very reactive and we essentially do not hire the SME we can trust. Now that is a whole other blog topic!

What are your thoughts on the above? Have you experienced or witnessed this very thing? I have and it can be a costly vicious cycle that is counter-productive to moving your business forward.