What’s a common mistake that many hiring managers make when hiring for a people manager role?

A common mistake is placing too much importance on individual contributor (IC) skills. While strong IC skills are valuable, they don't automatically translate to effective people management. Managing others requires a different skillset, including coaching, delegation, conflict resolution, and motivational abilities. Focusing solely on past individual performance can lead to hiring managers who excel at their own tasks but struggle to lead and develop a team. Hiring people who can only work remotely isn't inherently a mistake; it depends on the role and company culture. Looking for leaders internally is often a good practice for succession planning and employee development.