Let’s turn this around a bit and start thinking about potential a bit more rather than the degree or the award winning resume.
The old playbook is getting seriously old. Job descriptions that read like checklists, credentials that supposedly prove worth, resumes that flatten experience into bullet points (OK< guilty your honour). The future of work is about what you’ve already done. And what you can do.
Let’s try a recruitment process that goes beyond surface-level qualifications and experience and instead starts to look at the whole person and their potential.
This isn’t just wishful thinking. Innovative companies are already transforming how they view talent:
Breaking Down Traditional Barriers
Traditional hiring creates invisible walls that block incredible talent. A military veteran with exceptional leadership skills gets filtered out because they don’t have a “standard” corporate background. A self-taught programmer with remarkable problem-solving abilities gets overlooked because they lack a computer science degree. A stay-at-home parent with project management superpowers is ignored because of a resume gap.
What Human Potential Really Looks Like
Human potential isn’t measured by credentials. It’s about:
- Adaptability
- Creative problem-solving
- Learning agility
- Emotional intelligence
- Resilience
- Innovative thinking
Technology’s Role in Unlocking Potential
Advanced assessment tools are revolutionizing how we identify talent. These technologies can:
- Analyze broader skill sets
- Identify hidden capabilities
- Reduce unconscious hiring biases
- Create more holistic candidate evaluations
But technology is just a tool. The real transformation happens when companies change their mindset.
Creating a Potential-Driven Workplace
And then we get into some really fun stuff.
- Developing robust internal training programs
- Creating flexible career pathways
- Valuing diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Building cultures of continuous learning
- Recognizing potential over past performance
The Human Element
At its core, this approach is deeply human (yes, I’m a Luddite, I detest what AI is facilitating). Every person carries unique experiences, perspectives, and capabilities that can’t be captured by a resume or job description, we’re a complicated bunch.
A Call to Action
Stop hunting for perfect matches and start looking at potential as well.
Ask yourself:
- Are you creating opportunities or enforcing limitations?
- How can you see beyond traditional qualifications?
- What untapped talent are you accidentally overlooking?
The future of work isn’t about fitting people into predefined boxes.
