Very few business people would run their business as though it was a casino game. Place all your assets on the table, with a hasty yet fervent prayer or a stroke of a rabbit's foot, and allow ‘Chance' to decide whether you win or lose. This is not a reasonable course of action.

A prudent manager recognizes that there are risks, for sure, but these are calculated and hedged to an optimal level. The risk is also attenuated or mitigated through the involvement of as many competent people as practicable in the assessment and execution of the strategy. Successful businesses place great value on the concerted efforts of a number of excellent people all working towards a common goal.

This being true, an essential skill for every manager is the ability to recognize and retain the very best people available for the organization. Hiring ‘blind' is not a practice that many would endorse, but if staff turnover within twelve months of employment is considered, there are too many mistakes being made.

It is not difficult to do considerably better than the average, for the average is abysmally low. A little planning is all that's required. Like any other task – plan the work – work the plan – and keep your head on straight! No one is allowed to be incompetent when constructive help is available. Any one is allowed to be biased though, as long as those biases are known and countered.

A work plan for People Selection is available for your inspection on the Andros Website A short and simple diagnostic to assess your own biases and perspectives – those things which might distort your people judgment capabilities - is also accessible in the Staying in Touch section. Take a moment, visit the website now.

Before you consider hiring another member of your vital team, why not take the few minutes necessary to check it out?