If you’re looking to hire only “rock stars” you’re failing before you know it. Working on “rock star” teams is a far better solution.
A sure sign that you might be in trouble is if your stomach drops when someone asks for time off. On healthy and well rounded teams there won’t be a time where there’s a feeling of desperation when someone takes vacation time. One person can never do it all and to expect it or to allow someone to continue to work as if they can is an unfortunate disservice to that employee or team member. Technology teams frequently run into this when Subject Matter Experts don’t document their procedures. Some don’t do it because of fear of replacement. Others are just forgetful about documentation (aren’t we all). However, this is an issue that spans across all industries. What’s worse than having rock stars on your team instead of a rock star team? One that’s concerned about being replaced. True “rock stars” as it were, can go anywhere, know this, and do their job better because of it. Anyone that goes to work wondering when the hammer will drop isn’t running on good fuel.
Referenced Writing:
https://www.inc.com/mike-del-ponte/why-only-hire-rockstars-is-horrible-advice.html