By: Taylor Graveline

Every organization’s success often depends heavily on the strength of its people. Creating a cohesive, resilient, and purpose-driven team requires more than hiring talented individuals—it involves intentional effort and strategy. Many businesses unintentionally hinder progress toward this goal by repeating common staffing mistakes, overlooking the importance of mindful leadership, or neglecting the long-term needs of their workforce.

Kathleen Hurtubise, founder of Aloha Hospitality Professionals—a staffing agency specializing in hospitality, administrative, and light industrial sectors—has built her company on a foundation of intentionality and mindfulness. Kathleen says, “Leadership requires presence and care. It’s not about quick fixes but building relationships and creating spaces where people feel empowered.”

The Hidden Costs of Common Staffing Mistakes

Staffing missteps can lead to challenges such as damaging morale, disrupting workflows, and increasing turnover and operational costs. Often, these mistakes stem from well-meaning but flawed strategies, such as rushing to fill vacancies or relying too heavily on technical qualifications.

One of the most prevalent issues companies face is reactive hiring. Reactive hiring is the act of waiting for a position to become vacant or operational needs to reach a critical point before starting the recruitment process. This approach frequently results in rushed decisions that may not align with the company’s culture or long-term vision. Kathleen suggests caution about this mindset. She said, “When you’re hiring reactively, you’re not thinking about fit or future growth. Your focus is putting out a fire. That’s a short-term solution to a long-term challenge.”

Another common issue is placing too much emphasis on credentials and technical skills while overlooking critical soft skills such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, and communication. A candidate might seem ideal on paper, but in practice, they may lack the interpersonal qualities to collaborate effectively or align with organizational values. At AlohaHP, Kathleen advocates for a more holistic approach. “It’s not always about what a person can do today. Often, you have to look beyond their resumes and consider their potential to grow and how they can effectively contribute to the larger team dynamic.”

Why Mindful Leadership Can Make a Significant Impact

Mindful leadership plays a pivotal role in creating successful teams. It requires leaders to approach staffing and team development with intention, empathy, and a commitment to building lasting relationships. Kathleen’s philosophy at AlohaHP is a prime example of how this approach can positively influence an organization.

“Mindful leadership starts with presence,” Kathleen explains. “You need to be fully aware of your team’s needs, strengths, and potential—not just their KPIs.” This level of awareness helps leaders make thoughtful decisions that align with both organizational goals and the well-being of their workforce.

Mindful leaders also prioritize clear and transparent communication. When expectations are articulated from the outset, misunderstandings are less likely to occur, and employees feel more confident in their roles. Kathleen believes that this clarity should extend to the hiring process. “When you approach hiring as a relationship-building opportunity rather than a transaction, you set the tone for trust and collaboration from day one,” she emphasized.

Building a Workforce That Thrives

One key aspect of building a strong team is offering opportunities for professional development. At AlohaHP, Kathleen ensures that her team has access to ongoing training and mentorship opportunities to help them build new skill sets and advance in their careers.

Another critical factor is psychological safety—the foundation of a productive and innovative workforce. Employees perform at their optimal when they feel safe to share ideas, voice concerns, and take risks without fear of retaliation. “A culture of safety encompasses physical well-being. It includes emotional security, too,” Kathleen explains. “When people feel supported, they’re more willing to push boundaries and think creatively.”

Adaptability is equally important. Industries evolve, and challenges emerge. Teams that are empowered to embrace change and adopt new strategies are better equipped to thrive in uncertain environments. Kathleen’s approach includes encouraging a mindset of continuous learning within her organization. She believes, “Change isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity to grow stronger as a team.”

Creating High-Performing Teams

Avoiding common staffing mistakes and empowering your workforce requires leaders to adopt a more intentional approach. Leaders must move beyond the transactional aspects of hiring and focus on building teams that reflect their organization’s values, mission, and long-term vision.

Kathleen’s leadership at AlohaHP exemplifies how intentional hiring, mindful leadership, and a focus on alignment can foster positive organizational change. Moving away from reactive hiring practices and emphasizing cultural fit alongside skills, she has cultivated a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their fullest potential.

When leaders invest thoughtfully in their people, they create a foundation for a thriving, resilient team that has the potential to sustain and elevate excellence over time.

Published by Mark V.