Grow Them, Don't Steal Them

A colleague asked me recently, why don’t I poach from our competitors?

Navigating the startup landscape is challenging; every team member is invaluable given our limited resources. Yet, wearing multiple hats makes our employees highly sought after by larger corporations. Sadly, we often find ourselves inadvertently serving as a talent pool for industry giants.

Throughout our startup journey, we’ve witnessed employees depart for Consulting Firms, Social Media Platforms, and FMCGs. How can we compete with the allure of their benefits and prestige, especially the appeal of working for the Big 4?

However, one practice I find particularly disheartening is when competitors poach from our company. While I understand the attraction of hiring individuals already trained in our processes, poaching merely shifts talent from one organization to another without fostering industry-wide growth.

In the past, I subscribed to the “winner takes it all” mentality, but I now believe in the power of collaboration for mutual benefit. Together, we can establish industry standards and propel collective advancement. Poaching only leaves a bitter taste in my mouth which in turn makes collaborations in the future difficult.

From one founder to another, the next time you try to poach, think longer term. Consider the impact to the industry and your future partners.