Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill: Lessons from an Employee with ADHD

In the world of recruitment, hiring decisions often focus on experience, qualifications, and technical abilities. But what if the secret to finding your best employee lies in hiring for attitude instead of just skill? This story about hiring someone with ADHD highlights a valuable lesson: great employees aren’t always the most conventional candidates, but their attitude can make all the difference.

The Interview That Changed My Perspective

I hired someone with ADHD after a single interview.

During the call, he addressed the elephant in the room. He openly discussed how his ADHD affected his work habits—his schedule could be erratic, and he sometimes worked differently than others. His honesty, self-awareness, and positive attitude stood out.

I decided to offer him the position during the same call. Why? He had the right mindset, and I was confident that with proper training, he’d excel in the role.

How It Played Out: A Timeline of Success

• Month 3: He passed his probation period with flying colors.
• Month 9: His exceptional performance earned him a promotion.
• Month 12: He left to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.

While I was sad to see him go, I was proud to have been part of his journey. His contributions during his time with us were invaluable.

What This Experience Taught Me

This experience reinforced three key lessons about hiring and employee management:

1. Hire for Attitude

Skills can be taught, but attitude is something that comes from within. Candidates who show resilience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn often outshine those with perfect resumes but a poor work ethic.

2. Train for Skill

Don’t underestimate the power of on-the-job training. Investing in an employee’s growth pays off when they’re eager to learn and committed to improving.

3. Embrace Unpredictability

Life happens, and not every great employee will stay forever. Accepting this reality allows you to focus on the value they bring while they’re part of your team.

Why Hiring for Attitude Works

Here’s why prioritizing attitude over experience can lead to better hires:

1. Adaptability: Employees with a great attitude are more likely to adapt to challenges and changes in the workplace.
2. Collaboration: Positive individuals foster teamwork and contribute to a healthier workplace culture.
3. Longevity: Even if they move on to other opportunities, their contributions often leave a lasting impact.
4. Problem-Solving: A growth mindset drives creative problem-solving and proactive thinking.

Tips for Hiring for Attitude and Training for Skill

If you’re ready to shift your hiring approach, here are some practical tips:

• Focus on Behavioral Questions: Ask candidates about past challenges and how they overcame them to gauge their mindset and resilience.
• Evaluate Communication Skills: Look for candidates who demonstrate honesty and self-awareness, like the employee in this story.
• Invest in Training Programs: Ensure you have the resources to train employees who show potential but lack specific technical skills.
• Be Open to Non-Traditional Candidates: Don’t overlook candidates with unconventional backgrounds or neurodivergent traits—they can bring unique perspectives and strengths.
• Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a workplace that values growth, learning, and inclusivity to help all employees thrive.

The Value of Letting Go

Sometimes, the hardest part of being a leader is letting go of great employees. But just as in this story, their journey doesn’t end with your company—it continues with the skills and confidence they’ve gained under your guidance.

Celebrate their growth, support their aspirations, and know that your decision to hire for attitude and train for skill contributed to their success.

Conclusion: Build Teams with Heart and Potential

This story is a reminder that great hires aren’t always about ticking every box on a job description. When you hire someone with the right attitude, you unlock their potential to grow, contribute, and succeed—even if their journey eventually takes them elsewhere.

As a leader, focus on building teams with heart, adaptability, and passion. When you do, you’re not just hiring employees—you’re nurturing talent that can leave a lasting legacy.

Start hiring for attitude and watch your organization thrive.