In HR and recruitment circles a purple squirrel is the term used to describe the perfect candidate.
In fact, the purple squirrel is so much more than that. So, let’s look at the good and challenging…
Strengths:
- Extremely innovative
- Great mix of skills, education and experience
- Strong on implementation – they make it happen
- See possibilities where others see problems
- Produce outstanding results
- Can have a huge impact on growth
Perceived weaknesses:
- Are often mavericks
- Not always seen as team players
- Can appear arrogant – this is often due to a lack of social skills
- Can be difficult to manage – and may need a different approach to the rest of your team
If you’re struggling to visualise a purple squirrel in real terms think Steve Jobs, James Dyson, Mark Zuckerberg, David Ogilvy or Philip Green.
These days purple squirrels are often associated with the IT and technology arena’s where innovation is essential to stay on your game. But recruiting a purple squirrel can be the ultimate game changer whatever industry you’re in.
Check our my next post: Recruit your own purple squirrel.