In “Who,” authors Geoff Smart and Randy Street provide readers with a comprehensive guide to hiring and assessing talent. The book is based on the idea that the single most important factor in predicting success is not the individual’s skills or experience, but rather their character and cultural fit within the organization. “Who” is divided into three parts, with each part focusing on a different aspect of the hiring process.
Part 1: The Problem with Hiring
In the first part of “Who,” Smart and Street outline the problems with traditional hiring methods. They argue that most organizations rely on resumes, interviews, and references, which are all flawed methods of assessing talent. The authors provide examples of how these methods can lead to hiring mistakes, and they emphasize the importance of taking a more systematic approach to hiring.
Part 2: The Solution to Hiring
In the second part of “Who,” the authors introduce their method for hiring and assessing talent. They argue that the key to successful hiring is to focus on two main factors: character and cultural fit. The authors provide a detailed overview of their assessment process, which includes a series of structured interviews, role-playing exercises, and reference checks. They also provide examples of how this process can be used to hire for a variety of roles, from entry-level positions to senior executives.
Part 3: Building a High-Performance Culture
In the final part of “Who,” Smart and Street discuss the importance of building a high-performance culture. They argue that a strong culture is the foundation of any successful organization, and they provide examples of how companies like Google, Zappos, and Southwest Airlines have built strong cultures through their hiring practices. The authors also provide guidance on how to build a strong culture within your own organization, including tips on how to hire for culture fit and how to create a values-based hiring process.
Conclusion
Overall, “Who” is a must-read for anyone involved in the hiring process. The authors provide a comprehensive guide to hiring and assessing talent, and they offer practical advice that can be applied to a variety of roles and industries. By focusing on character and cultural fit, Smart and Street provide readers with a framework for building a high-performance culture within their organizations. Whether you are a hiring manager, a recruiter, or simply someone who is interested in building a successful career, “Who” is a valuable resource that should not be missed.
