The Power of Patience in Hiring

Patience is never easy. Waiting for the water to boil, a library book to come in, or a return phone call can feel frustrating. But patience is also one of the most important skills we can practice—especially when it comes to hiring.

At Better Together Group, we don’t believe in quick fixes or “two feet and a heartbeat” hires. The most rewarding placements often take the most time. Why? Because finding the right person for a role is about much more than finding the closest person and moving on. It takes digging deeper, exploring all options, and carefully choosing the best long-term fit.

Having the right degree doesn’t automatically make someone right for a job. Living nearby doesn’t make someone the best cultural fit for a workplace. Hiring, just like job searching, should never be rushed. Both sides—employer and employee—deserve thoughtful, intentional decisions.

For employers, the first priority is protecting your current team and business. Every new person you bring in shapes the culture, energy, and results of your workplace. One hire can lift a team—or weigh it down. That’s why Better is worth taking the time to ensure a lasting fit. It’s like letting the water boil so the noddle are good or finding your favourite book after it is finally returned. Better takes time, there is power in patience through hiring.

For employees, the first priority is protecting yourself and those you love. On average, people spend nearly 100,000 hours at work over a lifetime. That means your coworkers influence you as much—or more—than your family and friends.

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said: “We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.” Science backs this up. The Social Contagion Theory explains how people adopt the habits and behaviours of those around them. The bottom line: the people we work with shape who we become.

That’s why both sides should practice patience. Employers must be clear about the kind of people they want on their team, and not settle for “good enough.” Employees should be intentional about where they invest their time and energy, because those choices shape their future.

Hiring takes time. Job searching takes time. The best outcomes come from saying “no” to what’s close and easy, and “yes” to what’s meaningful and lasting.