Hire Above Your Weight Class

In boxing, we hear the phrase “punching above their weight” in reference to a fighter who hits harder than others in their weight class.

A higher level than expected.

Figuratively, we use this phrase to describe individuals who perform at a higher level than expected, based on their attributes and experiences. When a manager hires above their weight class, they hire individuals who are smarter, faster, and in some meaningful way better than themselves. Here’s why you should hire “up”: Managers are often hesitant to hire people smarter than themselves. They may be worried about earning respect or staying ahead of a subordinate. In our experience, the advice “hire people smarter than you” given by Robert Kiyosaki in his best-seller Rich Dad, Poor Dad is highly effective and should be standard. If you find yourself hiring someone who is not smarter than you, then challenge yourself as to why you are making that hire. Hire individuals who are strong where you are weak. Free yourself to focus on your strengths. If you hire “down”, you will never achieve work-life balance– so instead, hire “up”.

Final Thoughts

Only the strongest hire the stronger. For this reason, hire “above your weight class”. Check out our Thought Leadership articles to learn more, or contact us to discuss your hiring and recruiting challenges. Build your best digital-first leadership team. TeamBuilder Search is an award-winning recruiting agency and executive search firm focused on filling digital marketing leadership roles for agencies, high growth brands, legacy brands, midsize business, and Fortune 10 companies. Since 2008, TeamBuilder Search has excelled at filling roles quickly with exceptional candidates and offers free consultations for hiring managers with exceptionally difficult-to-fill roles. © 2023 TeamBuilder Search. All rights reserved. Privacy.