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Great companies are made, not born. The secret is hiring the right people — the "A" players. This is, of course, easier said than done. Statistically, half of all employment situations result in a mis-hire: the wrong person for the wrong job. And with the cost of a mis-hire at twenty-four times salary, the financial drain can be staggering. Compare that with Brad Smart’s 90% success rate and you’ll understand why topgraded organizations such as General Electric and AlliedSignal consistently beat the competition. In this unparalleled work, Dr. Smart introduces the Topgrading concept—how and why it works. Managers at every level and at companies large and small will learn how to implement his proven fool-proof method. The author spells out his practical hands-on approach and provides intriguing case studies culled from his file of more than 4,000 in-depth interviews. Further, Topgrading’s expert coaching techniques turn "B" players into "A" players. The lesson is simple: managers who topgrade become leaders— "A" players—achieving success not only for their companies but for themselves. About The Author Brad Smart is a world-renowned industrial psychologist and consultant with nearly 30 years in practice. His clients include several Fortune 500 companies, including General Electric and AlliedSignal. He is the author of two previous books and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal. Table Of Contents Introduction: Talent Wins Part One: Topgrading for Companies Topgrading: Every Manager's #1 Priority The Astronomical Costs of Mis-Hires: Company Killers and Career Derailers Firing C Players: Is It Immoral? Recruitment Best Practices: How to Avoid Mis-Hires Case Studies: How to Topgrade Part Two: Topgrading for Individuals Becoming an A Player: Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too Fixing Your Weaknesses: The Straightest Path to Success Coaching 101: The CIDS-Based Model Case Studies: Coaching to Fix Weaknesses Part Three: CIDS Interviewing Your Most Powerful: The CIDS Interview Guide Mastering CIDS Interviewing: Advanced Interviewing Tactics Avoiding Legal Problems: A "Bulletproof" Approach Epilogue: Topgrading in the Future Appendices Chronological In-Depth Structured (CIDS) Interview Guide Career History Form In-Depth Reference-Check Guide Interviewer Feedback Form Sample Competencies-Management Sample Competencies - Wm. M. Mercer