The Challenge: Hiring Without Evidence
Like many growing businesses, New Word Order knew what they were great at but hiring people wasn’t one of them.
“We’re skilled at what we do in our business, not at hiring,” Scott explains. “We’re not HR people. We’re not professional hirers and we can’t afford to get it wrong.”
Interviews felt unreliable. Some candidates interviewed brilliantly but struggled once in the role. Others didn’t shine on paper but may have been a great fit. Gut feel alone wasn’t enough especially for a business that prides itself on being evidence-based.
“Hiring felt like a minefield. We needed more than opinions and good answers. We needed evidence.”
What They Were Looking For
Initially, the need was clear: get the right people into critical roles.
But underneath that was a deeper question:
- How will this person actually operate day-to-day?
- How will they fit with the team long-term?
- What will it really be like to work together?
“You can hope someone will be a long-term employee, but you can’t know that from an interview.”
New Word Order wanted confidence not just for the business, but for their people too.
“We don’t just want people to stay. We want them to thrive. And most people can’t even articulate what they need to do their best work.”
The Solution: Red Wolf Group & The Predictive Index
New Word Order partnered with Red Wolf Group in 2020, implementing Predictive Index as part of a broader model that included training and ongoing advisory.
What stood out wasn’t just the tool. It was the way it was embedded.
Through training, the team learned how to:
- Define what success really looks like in a role
- Involve the people impacted by the hire in shaping role requirements
- Interpret behavioural data confidently
- Use PI beyond hiring for development, promotion, and team dynamics
“These are smart tools. And smart tools need understanding to be used properly.”
The result was a practical, flexible model that allowed New Word Order to stay hands-on while still being supported by expertise when needed.
“You didn’t just give us a report or present the data to us. You taught us how to use it.”
Beyond Hiring: Optimising the Team
Over time, Predictive Index became more than a hiring tool.
For a small team, this mattered deeply.
“Culture is important. Capability is important. There’s no room for people to drag the chain.”
PI gave them a shared language, clearer expectations, and a way to understand both strengths and blind spots without making it personal.
“It’s not just about recruitment. It’s about how you work with people, how you promote them, and how the team functions as a whole.”
The Outcome: Confidence, Stability & a High-Functioning Team
Today, Scott describes New Word Order’s team as the strongest it’s ever been.
“Genuinely, we have the most solid, most functional team we’ve ever had.”
That confidence has held even through tough economic conditions.
“Everyone is pulling their weight. We’re really tight as a team.”
Perhaps most importantly, decision-making around people now feels grounded and assured.
“This isn’t a crystal ball but it almost is. It gives you confidence in how things are going to play out.”
Scott’s Advice to Other Business Owners
“If you’ve always felt you’re okay at hiring but not great this will supercharge it.”
For leaders who value evidence and want to reduce risk:
“This is science. People can feel fluffy and unpredictable. The more you can understand and predict how they’ll work, the more empowering it is.”
And the result?
“It gives us confidence in our people, confidence in how we work together and that makes us feel secure.”
