Think about the last person you hired. Did you really take the time to select an individual who was hungry and ambitious, not just for a new job but to learn about a new sector where they could build their career? Or did you quickly flick through the CVs and pick the candidate who was a close match to that of the incumbent?
Known in the trade as "pigeon-holing", this may be a quick solution that makes everyone round the interview table feel comfortable, but is it really in the interests of your business to opt for the same breed time and again? What about the fresh talent that brings new ideas, invigorates your environment, drives change and challenges the status quo.
Clearly, there have to be transferable skills and experiences for the match between client and candidate to take place. Also, if you have a position to fill in your business you want a fast, seamless transition and for the new recruit to hit the ground running.
So try challenging your normal recruitment processes. The next time you are short listing for interview, take a bold step and fill one of those slots with a different animal - you may be surprised. Who knows, they could be the one to make a difference; that breath of fresh air you need in what we expect will be demanding times. If nothing else, at least you won't have to interview pigeons all day!
I agree with Sarah's view - it's got to be a good thing surely to challenge our thinking and processes on a regular basis. To go against the 'norm' and choose a square peg to fit into a round hole and find that it not only works, but delivers great results, must be rewarding in itself.