“To win in the marketplace you must first win in the workplace.” – Doug Conant, CEO of Campbell’s Soup

Before I get too far into this article, I want to make it clear that I don't run a multinational company (I've always wanted to use the word multinational). So I'm not pretending I know all the answers to the ways of the world. I am though a 31yr old guy who has worked within several different businesses, run a business myself for 5 years now and operated as an infantry platoon commander for several years which was actually very similar to running a small business.

We had targets to reach, training to do, soldiers had personal issues that needed looking after, we had to motivate the troops and provide interesting training and be role models. If we did this, then output would be good. Neglect these areas and the guys would just saunter around until the bar was open.

One of the most crucial and hard decisions within a business is firstly finding and keeping superb staff. What's the difference between superb staff and good staff? Well in my view the employees that are always pushing themselves to improve, working on their weaknesses, taking initiative, and looking after other employees without being asked, are the ones that turn out to be superb members of the business. At the end of the day, it's employees like this, that continue to make us better as bosses, because we have to improve to adapt to the fact that they are growing as people. 

In this short blog, I'm going to explain what I look for in potential staff. Why do you care? Well because these people are looking after you. You want to know that your Physio is continuing to learn and develop their skills as you grow as an athlete. Or perhaps you think we might be a good fit for you in the future with your career?

So what do I look for in a potential Employee here at Evolutio

• Firstly I look for the values in the candidate that I've worked so hard to instill in the company. I know that I can't train these into a staff member, so I need them to come out in my initial catch ups. I need to see that they are a team player, that fulfillment comes before financial gain and I want people to show me that they're passionate about what they do. Whether that's evidence of past actions or the way the talk and come across. I need to see their passion in what they do, and that they're passionate in what we do.

• I need people that can look at the big picture of life. I'm not after someone who has only ever trained in CrossFit and thinks that's the only way to train, and that all other forms of training are inferior. Sure it's great, but there are other ways to skin a cat and one size doesn't necessarily fit all. I need someone who is willing to learn about other methods, skills, and who has an open mind to others opinions and views. 

• I need the potential physio or remedial massage therapist to be proactive and humble. Ego's can kill businesses and they kill potential, as it blinds the minds ability to work and develop weaknesses. It also shows me insecurities within that individual, and I need independent strong practitioners who are happy with who they are.

• I need to see that the physiotherapist has pushed themselves out of their comfort zone before. Whether it's a move interstate, a tough physical challenge or two, travelling independently overseas, or been through hardship. If someone comes to me and hasn't been out of their comfort zone before, then they might not know how to push themselves there with me. I also find people who have gone through something like this are generally happier. They know how tough life can be and compare everything they might think is tough to that moment or time in their life.

What Do I do for my Staff?

• I offer my staff a home. A place where they can feel supported, grow, where their ideas are valued and opinions matter. In addition to providing a supportive environment, I've already surrounded them with similar valued people. People who will care about them and who don't emit any jealousy. This provides a network of support for that Physio or practitioner to talk to multiple people within the organisation.

• I challenge them. I push my staff hard. I've lost count of the amount of times I've said to the team "we've done really well over the last couple of months team, but I need us all to take that next step, deliver even more for me and for the team". I do demand the best, I understand that everyone is going to have off days, but I consistently challenge my staff to produce outstanding, consistent service and be productive with their time. This is because I know they'll be more satisfied and the business will continue growing.

• I provide flexibility. Whether it's late holiday notice, food breaks (our rice cooker is constantly on in the kitchen) or start and finish timings for work. Each one of the Physios at Evolutio knows their role, job description and what they need to achieve. They don't have to come in 15 minutes early every day, but they do understand there's a certain amount of work required and that some days they might need to work more hours. Therefore I trust my team with this. If they need to go and work in a cafe for a couple of hours to get something done which will benefit the organisation then by all means they can go and do it.

• I appreciate my staff. I'm the first one to tell one of my Physio's they've done a great job. Whether it's from client feedback or something they've gone out of their way to develop and achieve. They need to hear authentic praise for their work. After all, they could choose to do whatever they like with their life and time, but they've decided to be here, working with me, so I'm going to thank them for that.

If you're interested in working with us, feel free to flick me an email to alex@evolutio.com.au , 

Alex Drew is a Physiotherapist and Founder of Evolutio which is now located at its brand new facility in Richmond at Unit 11, 3 Bromham Place, 3121.

Evolutio specialises in Physiotherapy for high level Sporting athletes, CrossFit athletes, Powerlifters and Olympic Lifters.