In the first blog of this mini-series, The People Problem: Hiring and Keeping Great Talent, we discussed the foundational step in the hiring process: defining your company values. These values are the bedrock of your organization and the guiding principles for building a cohesive and productive team. If you haven’t read that blog yet, I encourage you to check it out. Once you’ve clarified your values, the next step is to take a closer look at your current team to evaluate how well they align with your vision. This is where the concept of “inventory” comes into play.
Why Inventory Matters
Taking inventory of your team helps you answer critical questions: Are the people on your team contributing to your company’s growth, or are they creating friction? Are conflicts within the team leading to productive growth or signaling a deeper disconnect with your values? Gino Wickman’s People Analyzer, introduced in his book Traction, is an excellent tool to evaluate your team members systematically and objectively. By identifying patterns and assessing alignment with your core values, you can make informed decisions about your team’s future.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
As leaders, we often get caught up in putting out fires, addressing the squeaky wheels, and managing individual issues without stepping back to see the broader picture. A team member may consistently demand attention, but their behavior might be a symptom of a larger misalignment. Without the right tools, it’s easy to focus on the immediate problem rather than identifying patterns that indicate whether someone is truly a fit for your organization.
This process is not about labeling people as “good” or “bad.” It’s about understanding who aligns with your vision and who doesn’t. As Peter Schultz, the former CEO of Porsche, famously said, “Hire character, train skill.” This philosophy emphasizes the importance of values alignment over technical expertise, which can be taught. When your team’s values align with your own, you’ll experience less friction, greater collaboration, and a more cohesive culture.
Using the People Analyzer
The People Analyzer provides a simple yet effective framework to evaluate your team based on two key factors:
- Core Values Alignment: Does the team member embody your company’s values in their daily work and interactions?
- GWC: Does the team member Get it, Want it, and have the Capacity to do the job?
By scoring each team member against these criteria, you can gain clarity about who is a strong fit, who might need development, and who may no longer be a good match for your organization. This clarity allows you to move forward with confidence, either by addressing gaps or by making the difficult decision to part ways with someone who isn’t aligned. This tool can also be effectively used to evaluate vendors and contractors, ensuring that all external partnerships align with your values and contribute positively to your goals.
Growth vs. Disconnect
As you evaluate your team, you may start to see conflicts in a new light. Ask yourself: Is this conflict an opportunity for growth, or is it a sign of misalignment? Productive conflict can push your team to innovate and improve, but persistent friction often indicates a deeper issue. When someone’s values don’t align with yours, no amount of skill or experience will make them a long-term fit.
Moving Forward
Taking inventory of your team is a critical step before you bring on new hires. It ensures that you’re building on a solid foundation and not introducing new challenges into an already misaligned environment. Once you’ve completed this process, you’ll be better prepared to identify the right candidates who align with your values and contribute positively to your vision.
In the next blog, we’ll explore how to craft an effective hiring system that ensures you bring on team members who align with your values and vision from the start. Until then, take the time to reflect on your current team and use tools like the People Analyzer to gain the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
Black Creek Business Coaching 