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Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'Fire Your Hiring Habits: Building an Environment That Attracts Talent Top Talent in Today’s Work Force'

I have been doing a lot of reading, thinking, and writing about the so-called labor shortage, not only in our industry but the world as a whole. So, when I saw this book by our own industry’s Dr. John W. Mitchell, I had to read it. I’ll say it right here: You should read it too.

Going against convention, I’ll start with the appendix, where Mitchell talks about IPC, our own organization. He explains some of the especially important things IPC is doing to attract people of all ages into our industry. He also talks about the complete training program that IPC provides for its members. I will wager that most IPC members don’t even know everything this organization offers. In fact, I feel that this section is so informative and instructional to what we are all going through with labor shortages right now that, in itself, is worth the price of this book.

Actually, I am going to urge Mitchell and my friends at I-Connect007 to publish this section of the book as a public service to all of us in our industry.

Armed with a Ph.D. in education, Mitchell writes about all the problems we face today and then explains in detail how we can solve these problems.

My favorite solution chapters were about pathways and upskilling, especially the section where he describes how one company, Jabil, has solved the problem of career growth pathways in its Chinese facilities. The attrition rate in China these days runs about 20–30%. Think about that. One out of every three people hired leaves after a very short time. Actually, I would suspect that is pretty much the same in the U.S. as well.

But Jabil China’s attrition rate is less than 10%. What’s their secret? They show their employees a clear and direct path to each level of the rise up the corporate ladder. The employees know exactly where and how they can rise to the next level. They know that by doing the right things, learning and accomplishing the right skills, they can move on to the next level in a matter of weeks. The speed with which they will rise is up to them, making them completely self-motivated. It’s a great idea and one that works.

Besides being instructional, the book is also fun to read. Mitchell uses the world-famous Acme Corporation (Wiley Coyote’s supplier of anvils and such) to show us exactly what not to do. He compares Acme to New Co’s new innovations, exemplifying the right way to do things. The right way to fire your old hiring habits.

But wait, there’s more. In the chapter on diversity and inclusion, he discusses using the entire population, regardless of race, sexual orientation, and (my personal favorite) age as a hiring resource. Why should we limit our hiring qualifications to fit into one small characteristic box?

I also enjoyed the chapter on company culture. He talks about the folks in the Marriott organization who are filled with energy and a passion to serve their customers to create an unforgettable customer experience for all their guests.

All good stuff in a good book. The best part is that it’s by one of our own. So, please read this book, if not just for yourself, but for your workforce and for the good of the industry as a whole.

Dan Beaulieu is president of D.B. Management Group.

Fire Your Hiring Habits: Building an Environment That Attracts Talent Top Talent in Today’s Work Force.

Author: Dr. John W. Mitchell

Copyright: 2023 Forbes Books

On sale date October 31, 2023

Pages: 273 with Appendix

Price: Amazon Hardcover $13.49, Kindle $8.99.