Shane Shown

Most entrepreneurs agree that hiring is one of the most difficult aspects of business ownership. When starting out, some entrepreneurs struggle to hire people who align with their goals, and others find their employees working individually rather than as a team. How can you align your workforce to grow your business?

In the early days of his business, recruitment specialist Shane Shown found himself at odds with his employees when they functioned as individual contributors, working for their personal benefit while ignoring the company’s goals. Shane recognized that he lacked a definitive culture, which gave his employees little direction. He recommends building a specific culture and hiring employees who align with it using culture fit assessments during the hiring process. You can also apply this strategy to EO forums that lack structure and member engagement. Having members engage in a culture fit and personality assessment allows moderators to determine dynamics and develop a strategy for working cohesively.

In today’s episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson welcome Shane Shown, the CEO and Chief Recruiting Officer at Nxt Level, to talk about recruitment strategies for small businesses. Shane describes his initial struggle to hire employees, how to attract talent to your organization, and how to evaluate candidates for remote versus in-person work.

Quotable Moments:

• “Nashville stayed with me, even though I had no intention of being here originally.”
• “I get obsessed with learning new things, diving into research to understand as swiftly as I can.”
• “Our goal is to create raving fans, focusing purely on culture alignment more than anything else.”
• “Very rarely do people switch jobs purely for money; it’s often a deeper motivation.”
• “Take off your armor as fast as possible and get into the deep stuff; you’ll be better off.”

Action Steps:

1. Embrace continuous learning: Immerse yourself in new areas and industries, even if they’re outside your current expertise. This willingness to learn opens new opportunities and builds versatility, a critical trait for effective leadership.
2. Prioritize culture alignment: When recruiting or building a team, focus on cultural fit as much as technical skills. This ensures that team members are competent and cohesive, reducing internal conflicts and fostering a healthier work environment.
3. Develop a clear company culture: Define and communicate your organization’s values and culture early. This clarity helps attract the right talent and ensures everyone is aligned with the company’s mission and vision, addressing the challenge of integrating new hires into the existing team.
4. Establish structure and SOPs: As your business grows, implement structured processes and standard operating procedures. This transition from a flexible startup environment to a more organized system helps manage larger teams and complex operations efficiently.
5. Cultivate vulnerability and honesty: Encourage openness and vulnerability in leadership settings, such as forums. By removing the “armor” and sharing genuine challenges, leaders can foster trust and receive meaningful support, enhancing both personal and professional growth.