Did You Hire An Astronaut Or An Architect?
Entrepreneur|September 2019

If your employee is unhappy, it could be because they’re misunderstood. Caroline Stokes, founder of the recruiting agency Forward, explains the big question you should ask.

Did You Hire An Astronaut Or An Architect?

When you hire, you often think—or hope!—you’ve found the perfect person. You sifted through résumés, interviewed diligently, and picked the best of the best. You feel great! But six months later, things change. Your great hire isn’t hitting their numbers. They seem unhappy. Maybe they’re even heading for the exit.

What do you do? Here’s one thing to consider: You may have put your great hire in the wrong role. And it happened because you didn’t understand what kind of worker they truly are.

You may balk at this. “How could he be in the wrong role? It’s the job we hired him for!” There are all sorts of reasons. A role can be “wrong” if it is unduly stressful and takes too great a toll on their mental well-being. It’s “wrong” if it doesn’t allow them to do the things that truly light them up. And perhaps most critically, it’s “wrong” if the job’s demands don’t match the employee’s ambitions.

This story is from the September 2019 edition of Entrepreneur.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2019 edition of Entrepreneur.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ENTREPRENEURView All
MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER
Entrepreneur US

MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER

For small, independent businesses, loyal patrons are benefactors, protectors, muses, and mascots. They make sure the show goes on. Here, three business owners celebrate an irreplaceable member of their community.

time-read
1 min  |
Startups - Spring 2024
Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?
Entrepreneur US

Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?

We don't give ourselves enough credit for trying. So let's start doing it right now.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales
Entrepreneur US

He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales

When Jeffrey Bell gave up horse training to buy a Floor Coverings International franchise, he wanted to get out ahead of his new pack. To do that, he had to learn to delegate.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller
Entrepreneur US

How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller

After competing in two Olympics, Cammile Adams dove headfirst into her second career - and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You
Entrepreneur US

How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You

There are a lot of great brands out there. But that doesn't mean they're all a great fit.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
Serving the Underserved
Entrepreneur US

Serving the Underserved

When Dennis Johnson opened a Pizza Ranch in Minnesota, he hoped to serve the nearby Native American communities in more ways than one.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
When Life Is Preparation
Entrepreneur US

When Life Is Preparation

Vanesa Ellis was no expert on mosquitoes or lawn care. But as it turns out, something else made her the perfect fit for two home-care franchise brands.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.
Entrepreneur US

Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.

Here are five reasons why franchise ownership could be the right fit for you.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER
Entrepreneur US

WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER

For mom-and-pop business owners, just as inflation calms in one area of operations, it rears its head somewhere else. The best way to stay on top of it, experts say, is to stay flexible.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT
Entrepreneur US

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

There's no one way to market a small business. So how do you get the word out? Experts say you must experiment...and really stick with it.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024