The Art of Making Hard Calls: Insights from Reed Hastings

Hiring and firing are two of the most challenging aspects of leadership. Reed Hastings, co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, believes that these decisions require practice, intuition, and a methodical approach. Through years of experience, he’s honed a process for identifying talent and addressing tough calls when someone isn’t a fit.

Reed Hastings, co-founder, Netflix

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Interviews: Just the First Step

Hastings emphasizes that interviews alone can be deceiving. In a few hours, candidates can charm their way through, leaving a false impression. Instead of relying heavily on interviews, he uses them as a narrowing tool. The real evaluation happens in the next stage—references.

Blind References: The Real Goldmine

For Hastings, references are the key to understanding a candidate’s past behavior. But not all references are created equal. People often give glowing recommendations for candidates they like personally, even if they’re not the best fit for the job. Hastings’s approach? Dig deeper.

He works his network to uncover blind references—those who might not have been officially listed but can provide candid insights. Using platforms like Skype, Hastings engages in face-to-face conversations where people are less likely to sugarcoat their feedback.

Pattern Recognition: Practice Makes Perfect

Years of hiring have sharpened Hastings’s instincts. He’s learned to spot recurring patterns in people’s histories and predict how they’ll perform in the future. This ability comes from making numerous decisions, learning from mistakes, and continuously refining the process.

Tough Calls: The Other Side of the Coin

Sometimes, it’s not about hiring but letting someone go. Hastings acknowledges this as one of the hardest parts of leadership. But for a team to thrive, it’s essential to address underperformance. It’s a practice rooted in fairness—ensuring everyone is in the right role and that the organization can move forward effectively.

Netflix’s Lesson for Leaders

Reed Hastings’s approach is a masterclass in thoughtful leadership. Whether it’s hiring the right people or making difficult decisions about team composition, his focus on deep evaluation and fairness offers valuable lessons for leaders everywhere.

The next time you’re faced with a tough call, think like Hastings: look beyond the surface, dig deep, and trust your experience.

Watch Reed Hastings:

Source: Reed Hastings: Building an Iconic Company