Pick the right players

A decade or so ago, the main way sports teams improved was by signing big-name, big-ticket free agents. I don’t know how many times I’d be envious of New York Yankee fans because they had a new player to cheer for, while my small market Cleveland team kept chugging along as-is. But lately, building through the draft seems to be the way to go across all leagues to create winning organizations.

Sure, there are still free agent signings that propel teams to success, but there is a basic foundation and organizational culture the pricey free agent is joining. The “building through the draft” method is what our cover story company this month, Pure Turf, is focusing on for its future.

Founder and owner, David Patton, did have to go outside the company to find someone to delegate to help achieve growth, but the main focus has been on promoting from within.

What stood out to me in the story was how they described their ideal employee. Much like a professional sports team has qualities they look for in players available in the draft, the decision makers at Pure Turf have certain qualities a potential employee must have. How many of you can write down the specific qualities that you want in your employees?

Employees are expected to grow out of their role into a bigger one at the company, and then they are responsible for finding their replacement. One characteristic of many outstanding companies I’ve observed over the years is that they show their employees a path to growth. Having that career ladder for employees to see, and descriptions on how to climb it gives purpose to your employees every day.

Right now, Pro Turf is only 14 employees, but if they follow through and stay focused on the details of their growth plan, they will have employees seeking them out and will consistently get an A+ draft grade.