![\"JackOfAllTrades\"](\"https:\/\/berkonomics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/JackOfAllTrades.jpg\")
<\/a>their best hires have been the ones that are most-able to expand the enterprise\u2019s ways of thinking and performing \u2013 using creativity rather than rote memory and specific academic education as the driver of innovation.<\/p>\n[Email readers, continue here…]<\/em> <\/span>\u00a0This leads to a discussion of new hire cost and of sources for new employees.\u00a0 In the academic world, three new hires on the tenure track can be made for each two retiring with tenure.\u00a0 That same ratio is close to reality in business.\u00a0 In each case, the enterprise is able to reassess its needs in relation to its strategic goals, as the natural order is refreshed over time as people leave a business for any reason.<\/p>\n As to sources of new, young employees:\u00a0 there are two very different types of educations.\u00a0 Research universities often send their students through a rigorous program of education tilted toward specific specialties, with domain knowledge emphasized over critical thinking and creativity.\u00a0 Liberal arts colleges, on the other hand, usually allow specializing in broad career tracks while emphasizing the elements of critical thinking, creativity and leadership skills.<\/p>\n For your needs, which young graduate would you select?\u00a0 The title of this insight tips my hand, as I lean toward hiring those with those extra traits, and training them in the specific skills of their discipline.\u00a0 The benefit:\u00a0 a boost in corporate creativity and new blood at the bottom perhaps capable of future executive leadership.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sometimes you need to hire a specialist already trained in a single narrow task.\u00a0 But for most of us, we\u2019d do far better hiring someone who has proven from past experience to be a \u201cjack of all trades\u201d able to … Continue reading