1. Hire slow and fire fast. Many organizations are just the opposite, hiring fast and firing slow. 2. Look for heart and hands, not just mind and spirit.

3. Culture is key. As the leader, do you want to hang out with them? Hire people you want to be friends with.

4. Don't just interview them. "Intern" them. This has always been the system at Catalyst.

5. Hire a doer, not just a talker.

6. Benchmark the Experts. Who are the best people in the world at the position you are hiring? Figure out who that is, and contact them. For advice, suggestions, and to understand why they are so good at what they do. Learn from them and build a job description for your new hire from that.

7. Be wary of the "stepping stone" mentality. If you are another stop on the journey for someone, then run. Reality is - people are transitioning all the time. But that shouldn't be their mindset going in when hiring them.

8. Do your homework. Have potential team members take personality tests, and spend as much time as you can with them.

9. Talk to their former employers. Many people skip this step, but it's crucial. Talk to their references, and make sure you get a sense of how they performed in their former roles.