Most hiring problems start with optimism.

“We’ll figure it out once they start.”
“They’re smart, they’ll adapt.”
“We just need someone capable.”

Optimism is great for vision.
It’s dangerous for hiring.

Because hiring is not about potential.
It’s about alignment.

Alignment of:

• Pace
• Standards
• Communication style
• Decision-making tolerance
• Accountability expectations

Two talented people can both be “high performers” — and still fail inside the same company.

Why?

Because one thrives in ambiguity.
The other needs structure.

One moves fast and breaks things.
The other protects systems.

Neither is wrong.

But one will feel friction.

Hiring isn’t just about skill matching.

It’s about operational compatibility.

Before your next hire, ask:

What does success look like here culturally — not just functionally?

Because the best hire isn’t the most impressive candidate.

It’s the one who fits how your business actually runs.