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Alex Rodriguez takes part in a panel during WSJ’s The Future of Everything Festival at Spring Studios New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

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Alex Rodriguez takes part in a panel during WSJ’s The Future of Everything Festival at Spring Studios New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez had one of the most storied careers in Major League Baseball. With the former New York Yankee retiring in 2016. Though, his second coming has recently been in the spotlight. Functioning and calling shots under the A-Rod Corporation, Rodriguez has re-invented himself as a businessman and an immensely successful one at that. But what does he look for when interviewing a potential candidate?
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Alex Rodriguez may have recorded 3000 hits as a professional baseball player, but he has been an impactful businessman too. Testing his financial ability, the now business mogul has invested in several ventures. Operating under his corporation, Rodriguez seems to be quite a successful operator. So much so that his hires have even gone on to successful ventures of their own. But what is his secret? How does A-Rod go about his hiring process?
In a recent interview with Adam Bryant, A-Rod revealed some secrets that he chooses to operate by when deciding his hire strategy.
Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez’s hiring strategy
A-Rod spoke about how selective he is with his newest hires; especially now that he has risen to a more senior position. Said A-Rod, “The only people I hire now are part of my senior team, and it would be a lot more than one interview.”
Outlining how the process is maybe a bit more elaborate; Rodriguez pointed out that it would likely extend over 5-7 meetings. “I want to take you to a social gathering and maybe to a ball game,” he added.
Talking about the importance of value structure. Rodriguez reiterated his stand, the key is to treat everyone is with respect. Especially hospitality staff, if you are out at a restaurant. Said Rodriguez, “I would also take you to a couple restaurants to see how you treat the waitress or waiter. My mother was a waitress, and it’s really important to me that everyone is treated with respect.”

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TAMPA – FEBRUARY 17: Infielder Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees pauses during a press conference about his performance enhancing drug use at the George Steinbrenner complex February 17, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
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Broader hiring strategy
Rodriguez also spoke about more macro alignments on the mission and intention of the mission at the time of hiring. Said A-Rod, “I also want to find out if you’re a missionary or a mercenary. I want someone who is mission-driven.”
Rodriguez elaborated that he didn’t just want somebody after results in the company, he also wanted people that want to do good in the world. Said Rodriguez, “It’s important that it’s not just about ROI, and that it’s about doing work that fits your vision and your values.”
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A-Rod spoke about how it doesn’t help to have people motivated simply by figures or numbers and how at some point you have to turn to why they are working as hard as they are. “A mercenary is someone who would do anything at all cost to get the absolute last dollar. That’s someone we don’t want working for this organization,” he added.
Rodriguez certainly seems to be building a winning team as he gets to his business ventures; but do you agree? Would you want to work for A-Rod in a company culture like this?
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