Compromise is the way to make today's exception tomorrow's norm. Or not.
Or lesson can team building take from molecular biology.
"'Compromise is the way to make today's exception tomorrow's norm.' This statement, which was displayed on my platoon commander's wall during my compulsory military service, may sound profound, but I believe it's worth questioning."
Let me share a story. About eight months ago, I went through the interview process for a managerial role in a company. Despite two interviews and a home assignment, the company rejected me because I wasn't the "exact fit". Today, eight months later, they are still recruiting for this position. In the current market, it's hard to believe they haven't found a suitable, intelligent individual eager to take the job and fully capable of doing it. Think about the time the recruitment manager, team leads, and HR personnel spent screening, interviewing, and reviewing. Consider the missed opportunities due to understaffing. For what?
Lock and key vs. Induced fit
Before I became a data science freelancer and consultant, I earned a pharmacy degree and a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry. Pharmacology used to operate under a concept called 'lock and key,' stating that biological molecules interact with each other in a highly specific manner, where one molecule fits into the other as a key fits into a lock. However, as time passed, the scientific community realized that in most cases, molecules interact through "induced fit" – a process where the molecules change shapes to accommodate one another. Induced fit is similar to a handshake: each hand adjusts to the shape of the other to create a firm grip.
The same holds true in team building. Your team is not a unique snowflake waiting for "the one"” Moreover, both your team and any potential new employee are flexible. Both sides will adapt and match each other. Each person you bring into your team will uniquely influence it, and no two recruits will create the same impact. However, you can never truly predict a person's impact. So, if a candidate is smart, gets things done, seems like a good cultural fit, and has the necessary knowledge and abilities, it might be time to let go of the "exact fit" idea. There never is an exact fit.
If you need another perspective on your candidate or your team structure, feel free to reach out. Let's see if I'm the "exact fit" you need. 🤪 boris@gorelik.net