In the world of entrepreneurship and management, few statements resonate as powerfully as Zig Ziglar’s assertion: “You don’t build a business. You build people and people build the business.” This quote encapsulates the essence of sustainable success and highlights the importance of focusing on the human element within any organization. As we delve deeper into this philosophy, it becomes clear how it aligns seamlessly with the growing trend of skills-based hiring.
The Human Element
At its core, Ziglar’s quote emphasizes that a business is more than just a collection of products, services, or profits. It is fundamentally about people—employees, customers, partners, and the communities they serve. When leaders prioritize the growth and development of their teams, they foster an environment where creativity flourishes, collaboration thrives, and individuals feel valued.
This approach cultivates a positive organizational culture, where people are not just cogs in a machine but integral parts of a living entity. When employees feel empowered, they are more likely to invest their time, energy, and passion into the business, driving innovation and improving performance.
Skills-Based Hiring: The Right Fit
One way to build and nurture people is through skills-based hiring. Traditional hiring practices often emphasize credentials, degrees, and years of experience, which can overshadow candidates’ actual capabilities. In contrast, skills-based hiring focuses on what candidates can do, rather than where they come from.
By evaluating applicants based on their specific skills, organizations can identify individuals who may not have conventional qualifications but possess the talent and potential to contribute significantly to the business. This opens the door for a more diverse workforce, bringing in fresh perspectives and ideas that can invigorate a company’s culture and drive its success. This more diverse workforce includes veterans, military spouses, the diversely-abled and justice-involved. With millions of talented candidates in these communities, small businesses can find the right fit for their business.
Creating a Learning Culture
When organizations adopt a skills-based hiring approach, they are also sending a clear message about the importance of continuous learning and development. It encourages employees to upskill and reskill, ensuring they remain adaptable in an ever-changing job market.
This commitment to learning reinforces the idea that the company values its people and invests in their growth. In turn, employees are more likely to feel a sense of loyalty and commitment to the organization, resulting in higher retention rates and lower turnover costs.
Collaboration and Team Building
Building people also means fostering a culture of collaboration. When teams are empowered and encouraged to share their ideas, they become co-creators of the business’s vision. This collaborative spirit leads to innovative solutions and a more agile response to market demands.
Furthermore, when employees understand that their growth is directly tied to the success of the business, they become more engaged and motivated. They take ownership of their roles, leading to enhanced productivity and a stronger alignment with the company’s goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zig Ziglar’s wisdom serves as a powerful reminder that the foundation of any successful business lies in its people. By embracing skills-based hiring and fostering a culture of growth, learning, and collaboration, organizations can unlock the full potential of their teams.
When you build people, you don’t just create a workforce; you cultivate a thriving community that drives the business forward. The future of business success is not merely in financial metrics, but in the empowerment and development of its most valuable asset: its people.
At Talents ASCEND® we do skills-based hiring for you. We do more than source talent. We build thriving communities. Our Career AI Talent Equalizer, CATE®, translates a candidate’s experience into skills, then matches candidate profiles with member (employers) careers, all managed by our Concierge Acquisition Manager (CAM – fractional recruiter) for the human engagement and ultimate success. Matching . People . Instantly