'We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit'

To understand the pride we have in the people we have at Icon Solutions, it is useful to understand how a company like ours attracts industry and technology experts.

Some service providers undertake huge, unstructured recruitment drives, even handing out leaflets at the main-line railway stations. It isn't clear if this approach is trying to find a needle in haystacks, or whether these companies are happy selling hay!

Others have a policy to recruit large numbers of high-calibre individuals, and rely on peer-ranking and an annual 'cull' of under-performing personnel to maintain standards. Whilst this approach provides high-performing individuals it often leads to a fear-culture and lack of team spirit.

As a small company Icon certainly couldn't afford the risk to our reputation introduced through a mass-market recruitment policy which failed to attract the best people available. Conversely we cannot pursue a 'hire-and-fire' policy which would undermine the team spirit and collaboration which is so highly valued by both our staff and our customers.

Instead we have built a very rigorous recruitment policy, which involves only employing the very best people - whether they are a highly experienced practitioner, or a less experienced bright spark with the right attitude, inter-personal skills and potential. To ensure we maintain our high standards, all candidates go through a four stage interview, including completing and presenting a case study, with a view to exploring domain knowledge, aptitude and attitude.

Although the process can seem daunting, we find that to the right candidate, with a passion for the work we do, these four stages become more of a chat on a subject of mutual interest.

And although this approach is expensive and superficially limits the speed at which we can grow, it is the only option for long term stability of a business who's reputation is its people.

It is a source of tremendous pride when our customers describe needing 'an Icon-Person' as a short-hand for someone who combines the expertise and approach they need to get the task done.

If you would like to chat about becoming an Icon Person then we would love to hear from you!