I’m sure we’ve all been here…something like this:

We have an open position for an assistant manager in our department.

One of our loyal yet still developing clerks has applied. They are enthusiastic, committed yet very new without a lot of experience or strengths. The other clerks like them and are rooting for them.

Then we have an external candidate apply.  They look perfect.  Just what we need – good skills, professional, proven experience, service oriented. 

Great, we think, we have choices…but soon we’re twisting in the wind.

On one hand, we have a strong candidate who will bring a lot to the table. On the other hand, we have the home-town-favorite who’s looking for their first big break.

We feel a little sick thinking about the let-down and disappointment we’ll cause if we don’t pick the crowd favorite.  What will that say about us, aren’t we supposed to be helping our staff? Are we just selfishly thinking of ourselves? Will no one like me if I pick the other one?

We can go pretty deep, headfirst, at times like this.  So, let’s break it down a bit.

First of all, what is the main reason we hire someone?  Well, to help us produce results, outcomes and help the co-op achieve its goals. If the external candidate is best suited to contribute in this way then we’re on path.

Secondly, disappointment is a natural human emotion and would certainly be expected in a situation like this.  Instead of being frightened of it, simple acceptance and expressed understanding will go far in not letting it be blown up out of proportion.

And thirdly, if your internal candidate has the innate maturity to handle a management role in the future then they certainly should have the maturity to understand that they aren’t ready at this time.

This should be a big tell for us if we indeed have someone here who can grow and develop into a management role.

We can meet with them and let them know what areas of skills and growth they need to be ready for future opportunities.  Give them a road map, so to speak, of what it takes to move up. This provides focus for the employee to grab hold of to pull themselves forward.

Of course they’re disappointed and we can be compassionate while also letting that disappointment be their fuel for positive actions so next time selecting them will be a no-brainer. 

In this way we’re doing our part to support our co-op today while preparing the folks that will be supporting our co-op tomorrow.