It’s early December and people’s thoughts are generally turning towards the holidays. Many executives are wrapping up and putting off major decisions until after the holidays to start fresh in the New Year. It’s perfectly natural and understandable. Why bother looking for top talent for your organization during the holidays?
Because this is actually one of the best times to begin a search for your team’s next top performer. Just like you, your potential top performers’ thoughts are focused on getting through the holidays and starting the New Year fresh. So most likely their behavior will entail a decreased workload and more time focused on family and friends. A well-earned vacation is on the schedule for many even if it entails staying home for the holidays and relaxing.
But a funny thing happens during this time. In between Aunt Edna’s excruciatingly dry turkey and listening to Cousin Ed expand on his new leaf blower, many people find their attention beginning to wander back towards thoughts about the New Year and what’s next, both professionally and personally. This is the time to connect with them to speak about new opportunities with your organization.
The New Year almost always produces thoughts of change. “Wait’ll next year” is suddenly here. The top performers are top performers because they are always thinking about how to do their jobs better – even if it is only on a subconscious level. They are already thinking about what they want to accomplish “next year”. And “next year” is only a few weeks away.
Engaging with top talent over the Holidays has another added advantage in that talent is generally more relaxed and “real” – people are usually sincerely thinking about the year past and the year ahead and are less likely to put on airs or “smile for the camera”. It’s a good time to get to know not just the ‘talent’ but the ‘person’ who may be joining your organization. Hiring is a holistic process – you aren’t just hiring a set of skills or a track record of success, you’re hiring a living, breathing person with a full life outside of your organization. And as part of that full life may entail being compelled to watch videos of their niece’s ballet recital, you may just find that they are willing to break away to take your call about that enticing high level position at your company.
So before you head out for the Holidays make sure you aren’t wasting a golden opportunity to find that next top performer.