Declaring, during an interview introduction, that “we are building the best team in class” is as unrealistic as saying “we are building the next Google of the current generation”. Such a statement, if said seriously, is an indication of an inevitable failure.
Let’s think for a second about the definition of a start-up.
Start-up is a company in the initial steps of business
It means
- Not-existing or a very early form of a product.
- Zero or a deficient number of clients.
- Financial resources are very limited. Depending on the stage, the company may be covered by as much as 2 years of funding.
- There’s no business and no legal structure.
- There is no well-defined development process.
- Leadership is not settled on goals and management style.
Considering all these, you will be constantly running against disappearing time and money resources.
“Writing the best code” becomes much less relevant than “taking care of tasks fast” or “being able to work independently”.
Keep in mind that many team members will be involved in demo meetings, research sessions, and POC development. In order to do it, people have to understand the company's business, be able to efficiently present the product as well as **communicate **troubles and bottlenecks.
Investing your energy in looking for the best developers will not be possible.
So whom should you hire then?
Below are the characteristics you should be looking for
- Understanding of the company business (or willingness to understand)
- Ability to work independently
- Good communication skills
- Solid development background
- Compliance with the culture (current and the future). Yes, you have to envision and go for the culture from day 1.
- Passion. Anything is relevant. It can be either a hobby or a life lesson. The person that is able to get excited about a hobby, is capable to get excited about the work.
- Long-term potential. This goes both directions - willing to grow and learn with the company and willing to see this person thrive through the company's success.
- Being able to receive and deliver feedback.
You will not be able to quickly find people with all the mentioned functions. 3-4 abilities are enough for the start. You, as a manager, have to identify and understand what are the missing characteristics and how they should be mentored.
PS.
In the picture is the 1924 US Olympic Boxing Team.
That year the team took first place with 6 medals.
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