You may think it’s obvious, but take a minute to ponder exactly who you’re looking for at all levels of your company. What background, skills, education and experience do you desire in new hires? You already have team members, and that’s good, but think about finding and developing your own long-term dream team. Over the years, I’ve observed that most successful and profitable companies develop their own players.

As an example, you may be looking for high school students who have shown an interest in making things, and maybe have participated in school-to-work or co-op programs, for your shop floor team. If that’s the case, have you developed relationships with your local high schools?

Several years ago, I heard the owner of a very successful auto supplier, presenting on this subject. He said something I will never forget. He said, “If we can convince a high school student to join our company instead of going directly to college, we have a chance of developing a great team member. As they progress at the company and show promise, we send them to college. However, if they go directly to college, we don’t even get a shot at them or they with us.” He went on to say, “As they continue to take on more responsibilities and grow, they make pretty good money, too.”

We have a technology client who has had some nice success at Kettering University (formerly known as GMI). They’re looking for smart, hard-working developers and have found that Kettering attracts those types of students.

Are you thinking about developing your own future team members? Do you know what you’re looking for? Do you know where to find them?