Topgrading: How Companies Win By Hiring, Coaching And Keeping The Best People

Great companies are made, not born. The secret is hiring the right people — the "A" players. This is, of course, easier said than done. Statistically, half of all employment situations result in a mis-hire: the wrong person for the wrong job. And with the cost of a mis-hire at twenty-four times salary, the financial drain can be staggering. Compare that with Brad Smart’s 90% success rate and you’ll understand why topgraded organizations such as General Electric and AlliedSignal consistently beat the competition.

In this unparalleled work, Dr. Smart introduces the Topgrading concept—how and why it works. Managers at every level and at companies large and small will learn how to implement his proven fool-proof method. The author spells out his practical hands-on approach and provides intriguing case studies culled from his file of more than 4,000 in-depth interviews.

Further, Topgrading’s expert coaching techniques turn "B" players into "A" players.

The lesson is simple: managers who topgrade become leaders— "A" players—achieving success not only for their companies but for themselves.

About The Author
Brad Smart is a world-renowned industrial psychologist and consultant with nearly 30 years in practice. His clients include several Fortune 500 companies, including General Electric and AlliedSignal. He is the author of two previous books and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal.

Table Of Contents
Introduction: Talent Wins
Part One: Topgrading for Companies

Topgrading: Every Manager's #1 Priority
The Astronomical Costs of Mis-Hires: Company Killers and Career Derailers
Firing C Players: Is It Immoral?
Recruitment Best Practices: How to Avoid Mis-Hires
Case Studies: How to Topgrade

Part Two: Topgrading for Individuals

Becoming an A Player: Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too
Fixing Your Weaknesses: The Straightest Path to Success
Coaching 101: The CIDS-Based Model
Case Studies: Coaching to Fix Weaknesses

Part Three: CIDS Interviewing

Your Most Powerful: The CIDS Interview Guide
Mastering CIDS Interviewing: Advanced Interviewing Tactics
Avoiding Legal Problems: A "Bulletproof" Approach Epilogue: Topgrading in the Future

Appendices

Chronological In-Depth Structured (CIDS) Interview Guide
Career History Form
In-Depth Reference-Check Guide
Interviewer Feedback Form
Sample Competencies-Management
Sample Competencies - Wm. M. Mercer