We all like to be around people we perceive to be like ourselves. But is that always the best idea when hiring?

It’s natural that people in the office tend to gravitate toward other like-minded souls. But when it comes to putting together effective teams, or making sure your office has a good mix of personalities and work styles, you want to be sure to mix it up when selecting new employees. Your office requires a degree of diversity if it’s going to function properly.  Hiring nothing but clones of the people who already work here isn’t going to move you closer to that goal.

One of the biggest sources of problems: Nepotism or employee referrals. It helps to know a little about someone before you even interview them. But chances are, a current employee referred that person because of similarities in personality and work style.

That doesn’t mean you should steer clear of referrals. They’re still a good source of recommendations. Instead of a referral because somebody’s “a good guy,” though, concentrate on the skills that job applicant brings to the table.

Sure, you want people who are going to get along and be solid contributors to your team. At the same time, though, you don’t want to create an office that looks and feels like the Stepford Wives!

Tags: employee, hiring