The hottest topic in most practices these days is hiring staff. Practice owners are usually hoping to find a unicorn to add to their team. The term “unicorn” is often used to describe highly skilled, sought-after candidates who bring a unique blend of qualities to a practice.
The second biggest dilemma after hunting for and spotting the unicorn (and here’s the kicker) is convincing them to join your stable and keeping them happy there.
So, how exactly do you find and hold onto these elusive creatures? Here’s a breakdown.
Hunting for Unicorns
Before we talk about keeping the talent, let’s start with finding it. Hiring great employees is no small feat. Everyone wants the “A-player,” but these folks aren’t just lounging around in job boards waiting for a generic offer. Here are some tips for hunting and catching a unicorn.
TIP 1: The Job Description: Don’t be Boring
Job descriptions in your ads are the first step in attracting top talent. If yours reads like a novel with requirements for seven different roles, it’s no wonder applicants get scared off. Be clear, concise, and throw in something that makes the job sound more like a fun adventure and less like a soul-sucking endeavor. Example to start off with: “Looking for an over-achiever who loves challenges and surprising patients with better-than-expected care and service in our practice.”
TIP 2: The Interview: Hunter Mode On
If you find a great candidate, don’t just ask where they see themselves in five years—most of them don’t even know what they’re having for dinner tonight. Instead, dig into what makes them tick. Ask them real-world questions, but also throw in a few curveballs. The goal is to see if they’re adaptable, clever, empathetic and service-oriented.
TIP 3: Sealing the Deal (With More Than Just Salary)
Let’s face it, people want to be paid, and they want to be paid well. But today, salary is just one part of the equation. Employees want flexibility, growth opportunities, a positive culture, and, oh yeah, that work-life balance thing everyone’s talking about.
TIP 4: Competitive Pay + Perks = Employee Bliss
Keeping Them in Your Stable
Congratulations! You’ve found your unicorn. Now, how do you stop them from galloping off into the sunset after six months?
TIP 5: Culture is Key
Employees leave managers, not practices. This age-old wisdom still holds true. It’s crucial to create a culture where people feel supported, respected, and recognized. And no, Pizza Fridays don’t count as culture. Build a place where open communication is the norm, create an environment of creativity and where employees feel like they can contribute ideas without being ignored or overruled by “how we’ve always done it.” The spirit of play and games will generate happiness and productivity.
TIP 6: Growth, Growth, and More Growth
The minute employees feel like they’re in a dead-end role, they start eyeing the door. Provide opportunities for professional development, whether through formal training programs or simply giving them projects that challenge their skill sets. When people feel like they’re growing, they’re more likely to stick around.
TIP 7: Recognition Goes a Long Way
A little praise never hurt anyone. Regularly acknowledging your employees for their hard work can boost morale and make them feel valued. Whether it’s through an Employee of the Month program, a shout-out during team meetings, or just a heartfelt “thank you” email, recognition helps create loyalty.
The Unicorn Secret: It’s Not All About You
The biggest takeaway from successful staffing? It’s not just about what *you* need. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel like their needs are being met too. You can find the best talent in the world, but if they don’t feel appreciated or see a future with your practice, they’ll leave. And chances are, the next time you look for a unicorn, it’ll be that much harder to find.
So, if you want to hire great employees and keep them around, think of it as building a lasting relationship. It takes effort, communication, and sometimes, a little unicorn magic.
Resources:
These are just a few tips but right here on our website are many hundreds of articles, podcasts and YouTube videos on everything practice management related. Many are on hiring and keeping good staff.
Check them out and let me know how else I can help!
