The Hidden Impact of Hiring Trauma: Why First Impressions Matter in Leadership

A few years ago, I coached a leader who couldn’t understand why their new hire was already disengaged.

On paper, the employee was perfect. Smart. Experienced. Eager.

But here’s what happened:

➡️ The hiring process dragged on for months.

➡️ Promises made in interviews didn’t match reality.

➡️ Their onboarding was rushed, leaving them to “figure it out.”

By month three, the employee wasn’t just struggling with performance—

they were anxious, mistrustful, and questioning their decision to join at all.

This is what I call hiring trauma.

It doesn’t show up on a dashboard, but it eats away at culture, trust, and performance.

Leaders often underestimate this: hiring isn’t just a transaction.

It’s the first act of leadership.

How you hire sets the tone for how people show up, engage, and thrive.

💭 Imagine if every hire felt like the beginning of a partnership instead of a test of endurance.

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