Hiring in Manchester? Here Are 5 Green Flags — and 5 Red Flags — to Watch Out For When Building Your Team
Hiring the right people can make or break your business. In Manchester’s fast-moving business scene, you don’t just need staff who can do the job — you need people who think, collaborate, and grow with your company.
Here are five positive traits to look for when hiring — and five warning signs that could spell trouble later on.
✅ 5 Things to Look for When Hiring Staff
1. They see mistakes as learning opportunities.
Everyone makes mistakes — but the best employees use them to improve. They take feedback well, own their errors, and bounce back stronger. That mindset builds resilience and innovation in your team.
2. They’re willing to take risks and fail.
Growth doesn’t happen without experimentation. Look for candidates who’ve tried new things, even if they didn’t all work out. A healthy attitude toward failure shows confidence and creativity.
3. They speak their mind in meetings.
You don’t want “yes” people — you want thinkers. People who respectfully challenge ideas bring fresh perspectives and help you avoid blind spots. It’s a sign they care about the outcome, not just the paycheck.
4. They openly share their struggles.
Whether it’s workload, skills gaps, or personal challenges, openness builds trust. Employees who are honest about what they’re finding difficult are easier to support and more likely to improve.
5. They give feedback to others.
A strong team gives and receives feedback regularly. Staff who can constructively challenge colleagues — and take feedback themselves — help create a culture of growth, honesty, and continuous improvement.
⚠️ 5 Warning Signs to Avoid
1. They see mistakes as a threat to their career.
If someone hides their errors or blames others, it’s a serious red flag. This mindset leads to a culture of fear and defensiveness, not progress.
2. They’re unwilling to take a chance.
If an applicant plays everything safe, it might mean they’ll resist change. In business, especially small and growing ones, adaptability is key.
3. They keep ideas to themselves.
When someone hoards ideas instead of sharing them, your team loses creativity and collaboration. Great businesses thrive on open communication.
4. They only share what makes them look good.
If a person’s main concern is personal image, teamwork will suffer. Transparency matters more than perfection.
5. They complain behind people’s backs.
Gossip kills team morale. Look for people who address issues directly, with respect — not through whispers and negativity.
The Bottom Line
At Business Coaching Manchester, we’ve seen time and time again that the best teams are built on trust, honesty, and a shared willingness to learn.
When hiring, look beyond skills and experience — pay attention to how people think, communicate, and recover from setbacks.
Those traits will tell you far more about their future success in your business than any CV ever could.