What if your employee problem isn't actually an employee problem?

Small business owners often say they can't find good people. But what if you already have talented people—and they're simply in the wrong roles?

In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael D. Morrison talks with organizational strategist Michelle Kozin, Founder of Predictive Advisors, about using behavioral intelligence to make better people decisions, define roles more clearly, improve hiring, reduce turnover, and build teams around how people are actually wired to work.

Michelle explains why an "A player" isn't universally an A player. The right person must be in the right role at the right time for your organization.

You'll hear why moving a detail-oriented employee into networking or sales can lead to burnout and turnover, why trying to hire a "unicorn" can create unrealistic expectations, and how understanding an employee's motivation zone can change the way you lead.

Michelle also explains how behavioral assessments such as Predictive Index can help owners define roles before hiring, evaluate candidates beyond experience and qualifications, identify gaps on existing teams, and better understand the dynamics between founders and business partners.

The conversation goes beyond hiring into leadership, change management, employee motivation, business partnerships, and the identity shift owners must make as their companies grow.

If you're struggling with hiring, employee performance, retention, team dynamics, or constantly wondering why people won't "just do what they're supposed to do," this episode may change how you think about your team.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why an A player in one role can struggle in another
• How to put the right people in the right roles
• Why role clarity should come before hiring
• The danger of trying to hire a "unicorn"
• How an employee's motivation zone affects performance
• Why forcing people outside their natural wiring can cause burnout
• How behavioral assessments can improve hiring decisions
• Why people resist organizational change
• How to motivate different employees differently
• What the Platinum Rule can teach business owners about leadership
• How behavioral intelligence can help business partners and co-founders
• Why managing your focus may matter more than managing your time
• Why human connection becomes even more important in an AI-driven world

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Email the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison: Michael@MichaelDMorrison.com