The NOT so Shocking reason why Colin Kaepernick has been unemployed

 I actually wrote this article in 2017 and for some reason I never posted it.  But recently I have been preparing to open a new business and revisiting/ creating my mission, vision, values, and team culture is part of the process of launching my new business.  Even though this is a little dated regarding Kaepernick, the message is still very current.

Jan 2017:

I listen to a lot of sports talk radio, ESPN tv and other various sports shows and I can't understand why so many of the sports "talking Heads" are so surprised by Colin's lack of employment at this point in his career.

At the end of the day the process of him making an NFL roster is just another job interview.  It has nothing to do with the NFL owners "black listing" this applicant.

Hiring process's vary from employer to employer, but there are some common things that employers look for in an employee.  The big catching point for many of these football talking heads is his technical ability... or his ability to play quarterback.  Yes, Colin has many of the physical attributes to be an acceptable quarterback in the NFL, but does that make him a good employee or teammate?

My industry, of course is NOT NFL football and I would never consider myself an expert in identifying NFL caliper talent.  But, I have been very successful in building teams and that all start with the hiring process.  There are several characteristics that I look for when interviewing a potential new employee, but technical skill set is probably number 5 or 6 on the list.  And it would be safe to presume many employers share similar hiring criteria.

Criteria #1 is always Core Values.  Does the applicant share similar core values as our team.  Experience has taught me that if you select skill set over Core Values, the relationship will be rocky and not last long.  #2 is Culture.  Does the applicant want to be part of the culture we have created.  #3 is Passion.  Is the applicant excited about what they are getting ready to join.  True passion is contagious and created excitement among the team... misdirected passion can cause division. #4 is personality.  I can teach the new employee everything they need to know about our industry... but I can't teach personality.  My business is about building relationships and personality is important. More time than not, you either have it or you don't.  #5 is Potential.  Does this applicant have the potential to grow within our organization... do they want to grow in my organization?  Finally at #6 we get to skill set.  Now, don't get me wrong, it is important to have the technical skill set, but if I am missing numbers 1-4 you are bound to create a divide within your team that will ultimately create a lot of problems.  If they have all 6, they will be a home run hit.  I want the ideal team player, and they must be Hungry, Humble, and Smart

So why is Colin Kaepernick still unemployed? It's simple, he doesn't share similar Core values as the teams he is seeking to join.  He places his personal agenda over the teams agenda which shows he does not want to be part of the teams Culture.  And that is fine.  If his personal agenda is more important than I would recommend he uses that passion to make a difference. But, based on his interviews I have seen, he doesn't have a great public personality that would make any employer (team) proud to employ him. Shocking right! It has absolutely nothing to do with his quarterback ability. 

How do you select your ideal team player? Let me know in the comments below.

Win the Day!

Scott