Skills Aren’t Enough: What I Really Look for in a Hire

Skills Are the Starting Point

Skills are not enough. Here's what I really look for in a hire:

Hiring well is one of the most powerful ways to build a business you actually want to run. When I started Acadia Bay, I hired people I trusted. These are people I’d worked with, who could jump into projects with little direction. Now that the company is growing I have to more intentional, so that in the long-term we end up with a cohesive team that is both productive and satisfied.

Curiosity Matters More Than Credentials

What I'm getting at is that technical skills are only the starting point. There are even more important things I focus on, like curiosity. People who ask questions, challenge the status quo, and want to understand the why behind a process... not just complete a task and move on.

Flexibility Is a Must in Consulting

Next on my list is flexibility. In consulting, priorities can shift, clients can change direction, new projects start at any time. It's critical to have people who can (happily) adapt and stay grounded in the bigger picture.

Professionalism Builds Trust

Another essential is professionalism. I know the remote-work world is becoming increasingly casual, but our clients trust us to solve problems, and how we show up in every interaction matters. I'm not talking about the occasional interruption of an unexpected visitor at your home, but the polish in how we speak to other and present ourselves.

I Value Solutions, Not Just Problems

Above all, I value people who bring solutions, not just problems. Don't get me wrong, pointing out problems in very important. I can't see everywhere at once and I need to know if a project or client is at risk. But I also know I can't solve every problem. It’s the difference between being helpful and being indispensable.

The Best Teams Grow Stronger Together

When you find people that fit these characteristics, you can fill in the technical gaps. And when you build a team where everyone is solving problems and adapting, they tend to naturally bond and support each other.