Relying on standard tools of employee motivation and assessment—annual reviews, retention plans and employee engagement programs―can miss the boat in getting the best out of your B2B employees, says Patty McCord, formerly chief talent officer at Netflix and now an author and leading industry consultant. Speaking at B2B Next in Chicago on Oct. 1, she’ll make the argument that offering challenging work is a vital factor in attracting top employees and keeping them.

Patty McCord

In a keynote presentation, “Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility,” she’ll discuss the concept of “radical honesty” in corporate hiring practices, including parting ways with employees who aren’t the right fit. In an interview with B2BecNews, McCord discussed how radical honesty works in selecting and retaining employees who can drive results.

Q: What are the things that most companies get wrong about recruiting talent?  

McCord: They fail to focus on what problem they are trying to solve and to look for someone who not only can solve it but loves that particular challenge.

Q:  Why does “radical honesty” work and why do so few companies practice it? 

It’s kind of an endless loop. When people don’t, literally, practice telling the truth then they aren’t very good at it. Radical honesty also has to come from a selfless desire to make things better.

Q:  In this age of gig work and frequent job-hopping, what have you found are the most effective (and least effective) practices for motivating the right people? 

McCord:  Clarity around time frames is very helpful. Instead of loyalty and retention, a better focus on what needs to get done and by when helps employees and employers choose the best options for work.

Q: You’ve worked with and for some impressive people in your career. What leadership qualities would you say are “overlooked” in the very best business leaders?

McCord:  Being a great listener. Many corporate executives ascend the ranks because they excel at articulating and winning favor for their points of view. But at the highest levels, executives must pivot toward listening more as their roles shift from executing the work themselves to delegating to others and guiding teams via Socratic questioning.

Registration for B2B Next is open: Click here to register.

Learn more at: B2BNext.net