It’s frustrating to spend a lot of time and effort on a new recruit only to see them fail.

A recent study by Leadership IQ may gave us some hints on why this happens and how to avoid it in the future.

The three-year study compiled hiring results from 5,247 hiring managers and more than 20,000 employees. It outlined the top five reasons new hires fail.  

Coachability (26%): The ability to accept and implement feedback from bosses, colleagues, customers and others.

Emotional Intelligence (23%): The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, and accurately assess others emotions.

Motivation (17%): Sufficient drive to achieve one’s full potential and excel in the job.

Temperament (15%): Attitude and personality suited to the particular job and work environment.

Technical Competence (11%): Functional or technical skills required to do the job.

According to the study, these traits (or a combination of these traits) accounted for 92% of the failed hires.

How can failed hires be reduced?

The study revealed that 812 managers (16%) experienced significantly more hiring success than their peers by putting more emphasis on interpersonal and motivational issues.

The lens you’re using to view the hiring process seems to make a big difference.