Navigating Talent Acquisition: The Flacco Hiring Approach

By John Bernatovicz, Founder of Willory and Author of HR Like a Boss

I am a diehard Cleveland Browns fan.

Come Sunday (or any other day football is on), I’m donning my brown and orange to root for the hometown team.

With a playoff clinched and a team that appears cohesive, I’m reasonably hopeful for some February football. And why is that? The Browns picked up on one of my favorite hiring strategies: hiring seasoned pros near retirement.

With the mid-season hiring of Joe Flacco, the Browns have shaken up their approach to the imperative role of QB. Yes, that Joe Flacco. With 15 seasons under his helmet, he’s played 5 times longer than the average QB.

Surprising, right? But it makes sense. In the working world, age doesn’t overshadow experience. Think about it – would you expect a rookie HR or payroll professional to lead a team successfully in just a few years? Not usually. It takes time.

The Browns cracked the code: experience and skills outdo age. Joe Flacco’s leadership mirrors what we need in business – a cohesive team with a shared vision.

Joe Flacco’s ability to align the team to the plays and succeed at scoring is amplified by his ability to bring the team together. He expects discipline and dedication from the team around him and the players meet that challenge.