subject: How To Hire The Best People [expert Insights] [print this page] A self-professed techie at heart, Luc Levesque has clearly refined his skills as a master of startup expansion and success.
As he explains, Levesque essentially built TravelPod from the ground up.
Not familiar with TravelPod? You may have come into contact with it more than you think. While the basis of TravelPod is a site for travellers to share their experiences through a blogging platform, it is also well known for the Traveller IQ app, an addicting game that went viral on Facebook in the past year. What began as a hobby for Levesque a few years ago has since transformed into a highly successful website tied to travel giant Expedia.
"Youre better to pass on a rock star than hire a dud."
High speed, high performance: these are some of the keys to TravelPods impressive accomplishments and underlying startup culture.
If I had to encapsulate it in one word itd be hustle, Levesque says of startup culture. Going through road blocks, thinking outside the box... just doing what it takes to get things done and being as creative about it as possible, and not being hung up on process.
In order for this level of performance to be achieved, Levesque believes the right team must first be in place. For him, its all about finding the rock star.
Of course, these people arent easy to find. It may take a lot of time and resources to seal the deal with an exceptional candidate. Finding the right person versus the wrong person can have such a material impact that I think its worth the extra cost, he notes.
There are a few key things that will distinguish these people from the rest of the pack. Levesque claims, If you want someone to excel, you have to find somebody who absolutely loves it.
There are two standards which must be met in order to be considered a good fit for the team. First on the list: are they nice? Are we really going to want to work with this person? Next, Levesque reiterates, I need at least a few signs of excellence. Im not looking for somebody who can do the basics, Im looking for a rock star.
There is one exception to his rule of hiring. Levesque has learned, Youre better to pass on a rock star than hire a dud.
The immense gains of hiring such high-potential people may seem to outweigh the negativity of bringing in a mediocre employee, but Levesque disagrees. When you bring the wrong person in, it affects morale if you have to let them go; it affects the culture, brings other people down, he says.
Once youve had the good fortune of hiring a rock star, the next step is keeping them there.
Levesque comments, The easiest way to motivate high performing employees is to give them work thats challenging and that they truly enjoy.
Throughout the hiring process, and into workplace practices, Levesques experience with startup success reminds us, It really pays to take the time.
