Not the Best

No, we don't hire the best here. We routinely select and promote people if they fall into one of these categories:

• They won't make us look dumb.
• They are nice.
• They will get along with their co-workers.
• They won't try to change us.
• They have some unusual skill or credential that will give us some luster.
• They sound smart.
• They look the part.
• Their selection will please someone in upper management.
• They will satisfy some hiring goal.
• They will make us feel good about ourselves.
• They will only give safe opinions.
• They are readily available and we are pressed for time.
• They won't cost much.
• Their performance will be okay and okay is all we need.
• They won't leave us for another employer.
• They are not brilliant but are reliably above average.
• They bring valuable contacts.
• They work hard.
• They remind us of ourselves.