If you’ve ever hired someone, you know how the process starts. With your dream candidate in mind, you eagerly write out the job description. Master’s Degree. Ten years of total work experience and five years in a similar field. Management experience. Strong track record of success in a similar role. The list goes on. When you’re finally done, you step back, read the description, and smile. This person would be awesome!

Of course they would. When has someone dreamed up a candidate that would be terrible in a role? So, what’s the problem with setting the bar so high? Simple. This candidate doesn’t exist. Or, if they do, you’re likely to have a very hard time finding them or not be able to afford them.