Selecting and Managing Quality Staff.

One of the best statements I have seen on selecting people is from General Colin Powell:

"Powell's Rules for Picking People:  Look for intelligence and judgment, and most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high energy drive, a balanced ego, and the drive to get things done."

Not so good:  This statement sums up some very key attributes of what makes a quality staff member.  Many times, on paper, a person seems extremely qualified, but later you find: (a) they can't plan, (b) they can't work in teams, (c) they are overly dependent and needy, (d) they are high maintenance both personally and professionally, (e) all you hear is negativity and how things can't work/can't be done, (f) they are constantly trying to define boundaries around task assignments to limit the size of the work and their involvement or to pass the complexities to someone else, and many other reasons.

Desired:  The most effective and useful staff member is one: (a) who is proactive - who finds work, (b) who looks for ways to do things never thought of before by management and team leaders/members, (c) who solves problems and makes everyone's lives a little better, (d) who likes challenge and doesn't mind a little risk, (e) who is conscientious and committed, at least to the responsibilities of the job and (f) who doesn't need someone monitoring and micro-managing each and every piece of work they are assigned. 

It is important to challenge these types of people and allow them flexibility, both personally and professionally so that they can be creative and empowered to act.  If you are stuck with a "Not so good" staff member, consider replacing them.  Sometimes, one negative person or weak link brings the whole team down and getting rid of him or her, let's the whole team blossom!