Finding Don Quixote

Don Quixote is the famous knight errant from Cervantes’ book of the same name.

Quixote is a man enamored with tales of chivalry and heroism. He reads books on the topic to the point that he becomes delusional – choosing to think of himself as one of those fairy tale knights. He goes on quests and, the author makes this immediately apparent to the reader, it is only he who knows he’s on the quest.

Principle: look for your knight errant.

Look for people obsessed with a topic — especially one that benefits your firm. In interviews simply ask: What are you interested in? What are you reading about or listening to obsessively? Make it easy for your candidate to answer, give an example from your life.

I obsess over talent and how talent is spotted, cultivated, and exited from firms. I consume nonfiction and fiction alike to better understand people. It’s no surprise why firms find me valuable for people-oriented challenges.

I look for people obsessed with things. I met someone who was obsessed with space science. Specifically, they read peer-reviewed scientific journals on the search for microbial life on other planets. The person shared the details and depth of their research. I asked how their thoughts stack rank against prevailing trends. I received a ton of insight into how the person thinks: empirically, analytically, creatively, and doesn’t shy away from rigor. I see immediate business applications.

Finding talent with an obsession that complements your business needs improves your firms advantage over another. You can be assured that your talent will look to solve problems in a style and manner of thinking similar to what they obsess about. You’ll enjoy the returns of high and useful productivity with little need to motivate or performance manage — management efficiencies.

Work smarter, not harder.