#28 | How To Hire & Lead With Tianna Tye

Raise your hand if you’re over 2020! *Raises both hands*

I completely am, so for the past few Wednesdays we’ve been prepping for the new year. I spoke to Alex about authenticity, Michelle about hiring virtually, and Dan about pivoting in the new work normal. Today I’m tackling leadership. Without it we can’t be successful and now more than ever our communities need leaders with integrity, vision, and intentionality.

To help us nail our approach in 2021 I could look no further than Tianna Tye. She is an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist and team dynamics guru who coaches leaders on leadership. Say that 3 times fast, ha! In layman’s terms, she uses her knowledge of human behavior to help create awesome work environments. Who doesn’t want that?! Here she’s sharing details on how to fine tune your methods, build and maintain an ideal work environment, and reach your company goals.

Good Hires = Good Systems (8:20) 

I’ll admit, as a novice boss I’ve made a few bad hires. My counterparts say it’s ‘part of the process’, but Tianna had a different point of view. “Mistakes will be made, but if bad hires are a pattern, you need to reevaluate your system.” She says to start from the beginning. Know who you are, how you work, and what you stand for. Review your job description, where you’re posting, your screening and interviewing processes. Having a good system will ensure good hires.

Communicating Values Effectively (10:45) 

Have you ever been to Chick-Fil-A? What comes to mind when you think of them? Stellar customer service, right? That’s a reflection of leadership communicating values effectively. A standard is set and everyone from employees to the general public upholds it. Tianna says when you “set the tone at the top”, you’ll be more successful.

2021 Leadership Goals (12:10) 

Since 2020 derailed us like no other year, I had to get Tianna’s take on how we can bounce back in 2021.

Here’s her advice:

• Start with the big picture – What does your dream company embody?

• Have specific and detailed goals – Outline the numbers you want to hit, connections you want to make, services you want to offer, etc.

• Ask, “does my infrastructure support these goals?”- Determine who you need on your team to reach your goals and adjust as necessary.

*These tips apply personally and professionally!

Metrics vs Vibes (15:27) 

We all want to work with people we like, but don’t make the mistake of choosing hires solely because you vibe with them. I’m totally guilty of this!

Tianna suggests using metrics instead. Based on the needs of the role determine what makes the candidate extremely, mildly, or not at all impressive. As you interview, follow that standard. Then, if you need to vouch for one over the other, you’ll have a solid argument. That makes so much sense!

Why You Need to Take Time When Hiring (17:23) 

In this Coffee talk we learned there’s four main parts to successful hiring – systems, metrics, clear communication and time. Tianna urges us to take our time with the hiring process. Don’t waste resources hiring, onboarding, training, introducing a new team member only to fire them 30 days later because you rushed and it wasn’t the right fit. Going slow will actually save you time in the long run! It sounds counter intuitive but it’s true. Remember to “be intentional” in each of the four sections.

Remember: It’s easier to get married than it is to get divorced!

How To Determine Culture Fit (21:10) 

We already discussed how important vibes are in the workplace. We know time is of the essence and we want to get the hire right the first time. Tianna shares a method too simple not to use! “Ask situational questions directly tied to your mission, vision, & core values. The candidate whose answers best align with yours is the one for you.”

Biggest Challenge In Leadership (25:58)

Tianna coined the phrase ‘better than your last boss’, which I love! It keeps you in a growth mindset. Even more important than not making the mistakes your ex-boss did is knowing yourself and how you can work to be better, which according to her is the biggest challenge to leadership.

Hiring Remotely (31:07) 

In this new normal of the virtual workplace, I had to ask the expert her tips on hiring remotely. Her answer was surprisingly simple. Video communication. “Use video from interviewing to onboarding, it’s the closest you’ll get to in person and is most effective in our current climate.”

Speed Round Questions (41:10)

• What have you started using or doing recently that you love? Meditation. I use the Simple Habit app.

• If you could go back to when you first started your business what would you do differently? Talk to more people. I had to learn how to communicate not just rely on books for knowledge.

• What change do you think we’ll see in leadership in the next year? A blurred line between the professional leadership persona we’re used to vs more personable approaches.

• What’s the best gift you’ve given yourself in the last year? Guitar Hero

• What’s the next thing you’re hoping to learn? Becoming certified coach in the 5 Languages of Workplace Appreciation.

Homework: Do an activity that will strengthen one weak area when it comes to your leadership style.

Next Week:

A solo show! I want to hear your takeaways from 2020 and goals for 2021. We’ll be discussing mentorship vs advocacy and I’ll be taking all recommendations on who to have on in 2021. Bring some hard question with we’re getting really honest here.