Want better employees? Become a better leader.

“Who you attract is not determined by what you want. It’s determined by who you are.”1

It is likely as a leader that you have a picture of the perfect employee in your head. For some organizations, the next hire maybe in the C-Suite. For others, it may be an entry-level person with a drive for excellence. Regardless, the intangible qualities of your ideal candidate are most likely qualities you possess.

Every employee will be slightly different, as we are all individuals, but there are certain characteristics of those you recruit and hire that are similar to your own. “You will probably find that you and the people who follow you share common ground in several of these key areas: generation, attitude, background, values, energy, giftedness, and leadership ability. ”2

As we discussed in last week’s blog post on The Law of Respect, people will naturally follow leaders stronger than themselves. Followers who admire and respect the qualities of their leaders will be drawn to join their team.

Today, we’ll highlight a few key qualities that may translate into the qualities of those you hire. You can find the rest of the qualities in The Law of Magnetism chapter in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.

1. Attitude
“Rarely have I seen positive and negative people attracted to one another. People who view life as a series of opportunities and exciting challenges don’t want to hear others talk about how bad things are all the time.”3
Attitudes aren’t like magnets. Opposites don’t attract. If you want an environment full of people with positive attitudes, check yourself to see what attitude you portray. Since attitude is one of the most contagious qualities, yours will undoubtedly impact those around you.

2. Values
“Whatever character you possess is what you will likely find in the people who follow you.”4
Regardless of good or bad, you will attract those who fit your character profile. Employees feel most comfortable in the presence of leaders who act, think, and make decisions similar to what they would do. If values do not align, the organization will suffer. Aim to live out high character and you are likely to attract people who exhibit a high level of integrity themselves.

3. Leadership Ability
“If you are a 7 when it comes to leadership, you are more likely to draw 5s and 6s to you than 2s and 3s. The leaders you attract will be similar in style and ability to you.”5
What is your leadership style and ability? Have a real conversation with yourself to assess the type of leaders you attract. The better leader you are, the better leaders you will draw around you. Remember that it is not about the hiring process or even the applicant pool. It’s about you.

“If you want to attract better people, become the kind of person you desire to attract.”6

Overall, organizations will draw people who are like, in nature, those who lead the organization. The Law of Magnetism shares that who you are is who you attract. If you look around your organization and see great qualities, then we commend you! Now, you are building upon a great foundation.

To build and grow your leadership ability and thus, those you attract, apply The Law of Process, which is also found in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.

Leaders, what are the top 5 qualities you would like to hire for your organization?

We’d love to hear your thoughts below or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
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1 The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, pg. 104
2 The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, pg. 106
3 The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, pg. 106
4 The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, pg. 108
5 The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, pg. 108
6 The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, pg. 110