Possible advantages and disadvantages of the "draft approach"

Sample Answer

The "draft approach" for placing candidates in business units is a strategy where a group of new hires, often from a university recruiting class, is chosen and then "drafted" by different business unit leaders, similar to a professional sports draft. Instead of being pre-assigned to a specific department, the new employees get to meet with leaders from various teams, who then select the candidates they want for their respective units.

Advantages

Better Fit and Motivation: When business unit leaders have a say in who joins their team, they're more likely to feel a sense of ownership and commitment to the new employee's success. This can lead to a better cultural and skills fit for the team. Conversely, the new hires, knowing they were specifically chosen, may feel more valued and motivated.

Talent Identification: The draft process encourages business units to compete for top talent. This can reveal which candidates are most sought after by different parts of the organization, providing valuable insight into their skills and potential. It can also help leaders identify talent they might not have considered otherwise.

Reduced Hiring Time: For the company as a whole, this approach can streamline the hiring process. Instead of individual departments conducting separate, often lengthy searches, a pool of vetted candidates is presented to them at once.

Disadvantages

Potential for Mismatches: While the goal is a better fit, a leader may select a candidate for reasons other than what's best for the business unit. Factors like personal chemistry or a candidate's impressive-but-irrelevant skills can lead to a misplacement. This is particularly risky if the candidate's core skills don't align with the team's needs.

Creates a Hierarchy: The draft process can inadvertently create a hierarchy among the new hires. Those who are "drafted" early might feel a sense of superiority, while those chosen later could feel undervalued, impacting morale and team cohesion from the start.

Lacks Flexibility: If a candidate is drafted by a unit but later realizes it's not the right fit, it can be difficult to move to a different team. The "draft" implies a commitment that might not be easily broken, potentially stifling an employee's career development within the company.