Words&Dirt

As a newcomer to the world of business, I don’t possess the background or knowledge base to properly critique this book. I learned some interesting information and strategies, but am not sure how useful they will be until I’ve implemented them. Who is very accessible and easy to understand, and it seems like the authors did their homework.

Smart and Street’s most helpful idea, as I see it, is the use of “scorecards” in the hiring process. Scorecards provide a detailed job description with a “mission” for each position, as well as concrete (usually quantified) “outcomes” that the employee is expected to attain, plus a list of “competencies” that make someone a good fit for the job. Scorecards seem like a great way to let new employees know exactly what is expected of them, and also for those already in the company to keep track of everyone’s progress. Scorecards should be adapted over time as the requirements and standards for positions evolve.

Having never interviewed anyone, I’ve no idea if Smart and Street’s interview strategies would be effective. But they seem very thorough and calculated, with lots of opportunities to pick and choose different methods that will work for a particular company.

In general, Who makes a solid case for the notion that a company can only be as good as the people in it, and offers advice about the best ways to attract and retain great employees––the lifeblood of any business.

Rating: 6/10