A Framework for Hiring Exceptional People

Great teams aren't found by luck. They're built by design.

The Recruitment Code turns the art of hiring into a repeatable discipline — from the first role you define to the people you keep for years.

The Recruitment Code book cover — Stacey M. M. Shirra and Lewis D. Maleh
Look Inside

Open the book and take a look.

Tap the cover to open it, then turn the pages of Chapter 16.

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Chapter 16:
Hiring Gone Wrong: When Good Intentions Don’t Yield Results

Hire Slow and Fire Fast!

If you’re reading this chapter, know that you’re not alone—many people have found themselves in this situation, including your trusted authors.

Even the most well-intentioned hiring decisions can sometimes go awry. Despite careful onboarding and a structured framework for success, some hires may not align with the organization’s culture, role expectations, or performance standards. Recognizing and addressing these misalignments early is crucial to minimizing disruption and maintaining team morale.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Bad Hires Happen – Learn from them. Even with a meticulous process, mis-hires can occur. The key is to recognize misalignments early, understand *why* the hire didn’t work out, and use those lessons to refine your future recruitment strategies.

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Do You Give Them More Time?

You followed your recruiting process meticulously, found a candidate who seemed perfect—impressive resume, glowing references, a charismatic interview presence—and confidently brought them on board.

But now, weeks or even months in, their performance is falling short. The initial enthusiasm and promises haven’t translated into tangible results, and you’re beginning to question your hiring decision. Now, you’re faced with a tough choice:

  • Do you invest more time and resources into training, mentoring, and potentially restructuring their role to help them improve?
  • Or do you accept that it’s not the right fit and part ways?

This decision, fraught with financial and emotional implications, requires careful consideration of the individual’s potential, the team’s dynamics, and the long-term needs of the organization.

Recognizing Misalignments Early

The ability to identify when a hire isn’t working out is essential. Early recognition prevents a ripple effect of dissatisfaction and disengagement within the team.

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The Recruitment Code — front cover Tap to look inside
Cover

The sample continues in the book — available now on Amazon.

The Code, Decoded

Four moves that separate great hiring from guesswork.

Every strong hire follows the same path. The book walks through each stage with the tools, questions, and judgment calls that make it work in the real world.

01

Define

Get crystal-clear on what — and who — you truly need: the role's requirements, your culture, and what management expects.

02

Find

Build a strong talent pool with diverse sourcing across tools, networks, and channels — reaching even those who aren't looking.

03

Attract

Draw candidates to apply with a compelling story, a respectful candidate experience, and an offer that makes them want to join.

04

Retain

Keep great people from day one — strong onboarding, kept promises, open communication, and ongoing development.

Get Your Copy

Choose the edition that suits you.

Ebook

Read Anywhere

Instant delivery to Kindle and Kindle apps. The whole framework in your pocket.

$12.99
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Hardcover

The Keepsake

A durable case-bound edition built to last — the one for the shelf and the gift.

$44.99
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All editions are available now on Amazon.

Who Wrote It

Two people who hire for a living.

Co-Author

Lewis D. Maleh

Lewis leads Bentley Lewis, a global executive recruitment firm. To go deeper on executive search and talent strategy, explore his company's work.

Visit Bentley Lewis
Co-Author

Stacey M. M. Shirra

Stacey brings a practitioner's eye to every page — the reality of building teams, not the theory of it. Have a question or want to say hello?

Connect on LinkedIn