🎈 A Hiring Lesson from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta's Tricky Skies 🪁
Aug 11, 2025 3:38 pm
Hey there ,
Reading time: juts over 1 min 30 secs
I hope you had a fantastic weekend. I was at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, and the sight of hundreds of balloons over the city was absolutely perfect.
This year, however, even those perfect moments were earned.
While the balloons did take to the skies on a few occasions, the weather didn't cooperate at every expected opportunity.
The Friday and Saturday evening ascents were both cancelled due to wind.
The pilots had to be patient, making last-minute decisions based on the ever-changing conditions.
And this brought me back to last year, where every pilot had to wait for what felt like an eternity for the "green smoke" from fiesta control—the all-clear sign to launch. The environments were different, but the lesson was the same.
This got me thinking about hiring, especially for roles you’ve filled before.
Sometimes, everything aligns perfectly.
The talent is abundant.
Your budget is clear.
And the hiring process feels like a clear blue sky.
You launch the search.
And the perfect candidate rises quickly.
But other times, it's a "green smoke" situation.
The conditions are tricky, and you have to be patient.
You might have to adjust your strategy.
Wait for the right moment.
And be ready to make a last-minute call based on new information.
The lesson here is that even when you're hiring for a role you've filled before, the environment can change dramatically.
You can't rely on the same conditions as last time.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be Patient: Don't rush a hiring decision just because the last one was quick. Wait for your "green smoke"—the moment you're confident you have the right person.
- Stay Flexible: The talent market is always shifting. Be prepared to adjust your job description, salary, or interview process based on current conditions.
- Trust Your 'Balloon Fiesta Control': Rely on your core hiring process and instincts to make the final call. Don't let impatience push you into a rushed decision.
- Celebrate the Outcome: Whether it's a quick launch or a patient wait, the satisfaction comes from knowing you found the right person for the job.
So, the next time you're hiring for a familiar role, channel your inner-balloon pilot.
Be prepared for any weather, trust your process, and wait for that "green smoke" before you launch.
Happy Hiring!
Helen
P.S. Ready to launch your next great hire, no matter the weather? Let's chat about a strategy that’s flexible and effective.
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