Hiring the right people is surprisingly similar to running a game of Dungeons & Dragons.

Stay with me...

I've never actually been a Dungeon Master myself, but through many hours listening to my son passionately recount his latest campaign - and as a youngster consuming the books as well as the computer games -I've realised there's something strikingly familiar about assembling a successful party and recruiting a great team.

A Dungeon Master (DM, for those still blissfully unaware) is essentially a storyteller, guide, and occasional tormentor of players. Their job isn't merely rolling dice and unleashing hordes of goblins - though my son assures me this is often the highlight - but carefully assembling and guiding the right mix of adventurers.

Think about it:

• You always want a Wizard (think your visionary tech lead). They're essential for innovative solutions, but too many Wizards and you'll have endless ideas but little organisation.
• You absolutely need a Barbarian - bold, fearless, and the first to dive headfirst into a challenge (like tackling that daunting client pitch). Fantastic in emergencies, but maybe not the best with delicate matters like budgets or sensitive negotiations.
• The Rogue? Smart, adaptable, resourceful, and perhaps a touch ethically flexible - perfect for Sales or Business Development, as long as you keep an eye on your valuables.
• Then there's the Cleric: supportive, empathetic, and crucial for maintaining morale. They keep everyone moving forward, usually powered by coffee and endless patience.

Here are four lessons I've picked up from recruitment, inspired by my indirect adventures in D&D:

1. Expect the unexpected

Prospective hires rarely follow your carefully scripted interview plans (much like adventurers ignoring the DM's meticulously crafted plot). Great recruiters, like great DMs, learn to embrace unpredictability, adapt swiftly, and think creatively on their feet.

2. Diversity Is Crucial

An entire party of identical adventurers is doomed from the start. Similarly, recruiting clones might feel safe but leads to shared blind spots. Diverse teams are resilient, innovative, and cover each other's weaknesses - exactly what your business needs.

3. Communication Matters

Vague instructions like "We want a Ninja Rockstar Developer Wizard" leave everyone confused. Specificity and clarity are essential. Clear, concise, and precise communication prevents misunderstandings, wasted effort, and unnecessary frustration.

4. Empathy Is Your Secret Weapon

Even mighty adventurers need appreciation, and prospective hires are no different. Empathy in recruitment creates positive experiences, improves employer branding, and builds genuine relationships with those you hire.

Real-World Application

Consider this scenario: your business urgently needs a senior developer (the Wizard). You have two strong prospective hires:

• prospective hires A: Highly skilled individually but known to clash with teammates.
• prospective hires B: Slightly less skilled individually but known for elevating the team's overall performance.

An insightful recruiter knows prospective hires B often leads to better long-term outcomes.

Individual brilliance is important, but synergy and teamwork often make the difference between success and failure.

So next time you're faced with a recruitment challenge, channel your inner Dungeon Master - whether you've rolled the dice yourself or, like me, learned the ropes second-hand.

May your next hire roll a natural 20.

And if assembling your perfect party feels like a quest too daunting to undertake alone, send a raven (or, you know, give me a call). Every Dungeon Master could use a skilled co-DM or a seasoned adventurer-for-hire to expertly navigate the recruitment campaign and ensure your party's success.