Recently, while preparing for a leadership oriented speech with a new partner, my team and I had the chance to sit down, and as we talked various ideas and themes, we started having good discussions on the hiring process and team building. Thought I would share some of these ideas with y'all:

1. I NEVER COUNT PEOPLE OUT BECAUSE OF THEIR RESUME

A piece of paper can't tell you the talent that someone has. A piece of paper can't tell you the potential someone has. A piece of paper can't tell you the greatness someone has within them. Look at their heart. Can you see their drive? Can you see the passion and the fire in their eyes? What have they overcome? Are they humble and open to learning? Sometimes you just have to look beyond their resume and trust what you see and say, "You know what, I see something special in you. And I'm not even sure if you see it in yourself. But man, I think you got a chance to be great. Let’s go be great.”

2. WHEN HIRING, I LOOK FOR TALENT

It doesn't matter what shape, what form, raw or already trained. I think talent is rare and I think when you see talent, you don't say, "I don't have a place for it. I wasn't looking for that." You say, "I'll take you on my team any-day and I'll create a role for you." That’s what great coaches and leaders do.

When you see a talent like Percy Harvin, you don't say, "I don't know what position he’ll play...running back, slot or receiver,” but rather, “I'll take him on my team right now and I'll find a way to get him to the ball." Is there someone on your team that you can empower more? Just get them the ball and watch what they do!

3. COLLEGE EDUCATION ISN'T THE END ALL BE ALL

I think it's a great thing to have a college education, but I do not think it's necessary. You always hear about all the people that have accomplished incredible things and haven't even come close to going to college. I think it can be a great thing and I think education is really important. At the same time, it doesn't mean just because they haven't graduated college that they don't have a chance to be awesome or they don't have an amazing skillset or they're not super talented. Maybe they just havent been put in the right role yet. They're mind also may work differently and I think it's a must to have some people that are on your team that think differently, that come at it from the other side. Sometimes you might disagree, but you can think through it, you can contemplate, you can play devil's advocate, you can go back and forth. And I think that's helpful and it can be great.