Selecting for Flair Factors: Improving the Selection Process

Abstract

Purpose: This article examines the importance of selecting for “flair factors,” or those differentiating personal qualities that make the critical difference in achieving superior outcomes in modern organizations.

Design/methodology/approach: Conceptual research about flair factors, key predictors of performance, and effective selection tools are reviewed and propositions related to improving the personnel selection process are developed.

Findings: This review reveals six flair factors—grit, execution, general intelligence, emotional intelligence, personal integrity, and communication effectiveness—as well as three selection tools—structured interviews, situational assessment writing assignments, and assessment centers—that can improve the selection process.

Originality/value: This article highlights the overlooked concept of flair factors in the selection process, identifies six factors that are vital for successful employee selection, suggests three tools to improve selection processes, and presents five propositions for practitioners and scholars.