Employing debtors – how to spot them

Debtors like to hang out with others like themselves, people who are vague with money and never call them to account for what they have borrowed or spent.

I employ people all the time and it is fascinating to see how vague some of them can be. But learning not to attract debtors into my business is essential.

1. Commitment

Recently I needed an electrician so I happened to ask three to come around to look at the job and provide an estimate. The first one spent over two hours telling me how difficult and messy the job would be and might be as much as average salary for a year. The second one stayed and hour and said it would be interesting and he should be able to get it done around my schedule for cheaper than the previous estimate.

The third one has not submitted his estimate yet but my neighbour who recommended him says not only is an excellent and reasonable but he can do other jobs as well. What a catch, but here we are two months later – no estimate. So I am going with number two.

My favourite is the "well how much do you want to spend?" type of estimate - this flags up to me that I might be about to employ a debtor. Vague and grandiose are two big signs, the job is either too good for them or not good enough. It is never just a job that they are going to get paid to do.

Turning up late with a dramatic story: whether it’s a mysterious illness, problems in their home or family, the debtor makes sure every nuance of these issues must be brought into the workplace.

2. Paperwork

Look for vagueness in their CVs and references. we all know people go off for extended periods for holidays, retraining or just to hang out. Is it specific in their work history or are their huge gaps and unspecified changes of job? Ask them.

Are the references freely offered with details on how to get hold of the referee by phone, email and an address? Recently I was given a referee with the name of John, no address phone number or work status and he was referencing someone who was going to be handed a degree of responsibility. I did not take him on, even when ‘John’ turned up on my doorstep to tell me what a great guy I was about to employ!

I want an employee who eats paperwork for breakfast, who brings a folder with detail and clarity. I want someone who is on time and wants to ask about the job rather than their bad back or terrible childhood.

3. Demeanour

A debtor will look stressed, exhausted, and anxious all the time. To cover for this they might work long hours, work through illness, spreading their coughs and colds – they will take on other projects you have not asked them to do.

4. Unsolicited advice

Unasked for advice from a position of no experience or knowledge is another sign of the fantasy of the debtor. There is always a sense of lack and resentment pouring off a debtor

I hired a garden specialist to put up a fence, a job of maybe three hours max. - 30 minutes into the job he began telling me how to rebuild my house, my business and change my life. He himself was single with a long-term illness and did not have a house or much of a business. All the time his drill was not working. After an hour of this I let him go and found someone else.

There are times when leaning over the garden gate for a chat are appropriate but now I start off with business. If we really want to chat then we can arrange a time to do so

Needless to say this goes for social media, talking on the phone, taking extended lunch breaks or having to take time off work to get the carpet fitted.

If I create a company or employ people who are debtors at heart, it will not thrive and everyone looses, but of course it will be my fault.

So today I look for crisp, clear focused people to work with, those with a lightness of spirit. Yes, experience is great, but the right attitude towards the job is worth a million pounds. As a very successful friend says, he just wants a ‘touch’ of OCD the rest he can teach!