As time passed, the new hires excelled at each opportunity. They worked with existing team members to learn their new duties, looked for opportunities to introduce improvements to current practices, and brought in new ideas and suggestions. There were bumps along the way, but the team environment focusing on results, caring, accountability, and inclusion that we worked toward promoting was there.

I share this story because it is important for leaders to remember that when striving toward creating or maintaining a caring environment, their actions must consider existing and future staff. Leaders must work with their team to ensure that new hires will not only possess the technical skills to do the job but also have the ability and desire to share the team’s established norms.

When making selections, please consider incorporating the following questions into your existing interview process:

Questions for the Interview Process

Team/Organization Fit

• Will the applicant agree and adhere to the expectations set for:
  • Work schedules
  • Team goals
  • Professional integrity
  • Business etiquette

Current and Future Job-Skill Capacity

• What is the applicant’s ability to perform the duties of the position?
  • Ability, aptitude, and necessary motivation to perform required functions
  • Necessary credentials (if applicable)

Interpersonal Skills

• Does the applicant have good communication and interaction skills?
  • Caring, concern, and empathy for others
  • Appropriate and effective listening skills
  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Patience
  • Dependability

Past Performance and Accomplishments

• • Verifiable examples

In closing, it is our job as leaders and followers to genuinely care about our team members, and it needs to start as soon as possible!