Hiring Philosophy: 1 Great Person = 3 Good People

This past weekend, I was shopping at one of my favorite places on earth, The Container Store. Who doesn’t love organizing? Well, some people probably really don’t like it, but for me – there is nothing better.

After unpacking my new goodies, I reused my Container Store bag to hold Goodwill donations. It sat at the top of my stairs for a few days, as I continued adding clothes to it. Every time I walked past it, I read the message on the bag:

 1 Great Person = 3 Good People
We Only Hire Great People

After years in the retail business, this guiding principle rang very true. I thought back to the days when I had to make the schedule for a Saturday – typically the busiest shopping day of the week. I would much rather schedule 2 or 3 experienced and professional team members than 6-8 average team members, even though it left our floor with less coverage. I knew that these “great” people could handle it and that our customers would receive the service they deserved.

 At The Container Store, “1 Equals 3” is their hiring philosophy. They know that a great employee is 3x as productive as a good employee, and those great employees hold great tenure within the company – feeling like owners of the company and brand and treating customers with exceptional service. It’s a win-win!

 As you think about seasonal hiring (summer will be here before we know it!) or if you need to adjust your hiring procedures in general, consider The Container Store’s hiring philosophy. Surround yourself and your customers with great people, and you can’t lose!

 For more information visit The Container Store’s Foundation Principles.