Winning with Underdogs: How Hiring the Least Likely Candidates Can Spark Creativity, Improve Service, and Boost Profits

More about the book

How do we end workplace exclusion, boost profits, strengthen communities, and advance social justice? By transforming how we perceive, manage, and engage current and future employees. This book illustrates how marginalized groups—such as the disabled, ex-convicts, senior citizens, and various minorities—remain underrepresented in today's workforce, despite businesses facing significant hiring challenges. Winch reveals that the pool of excellent candidates is broader than most hiring managers realize, with unexpected candidates often proving to be highly productive and committed. To access this hidden talent, businesses must adapt their corporate culture and refine their screening, training, and onboarding processes. This includes addressing employees' emotional needs and tackling workplace bullying and harassment, enabling many potential workers to thrive in supportive environments. By doing so, companies can reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness, leading to greater engagement, productivity, and profits. Acclaimed consultant Gil Winch provides insights on identifying potential candidates, effective screening and training methods, fostering inclusivity, and prioritizing emotional health in corporate culture. His proven strategies can help leaders create a more diverse, equitable, and successful workplace systematically.