When it comes to hiring and leadership, most organizations stick with familiar strategies. The problem? Familiarity only delivers familiar results. To truly grow, leaders must look beyond traditional methods and embrace the less well known—new pipelines, overlooked candidates, and fresh perspectives. Doing so not only expands access to talent but also strengthens decision-making and long-term organizational success. In today’s competitive market, committing to the less well known is no longer optional—it’s a performance advantage.

The Talent Pipeline Is Not Empty, Just Blocked

A common leadership complaint is that “there’s no talent out there.” But as experts point out, the issue isn’t scarcity—it’s access. Recruitment strategies often circle back to the same schools, networks, and associations, missing highly capable candidates elsewhere. As Shari Dunn notes, “The pipeline is not empty—it is broken.” Barriers like class bias and prestige bias keep many qualified individuals from even being considered. By committing to the less well known—through audits of job postings, outreach to new networks, and broader definitions of competence—leaders can unlock talent that was always there, just overlooked.

Level the Field in Hiring Practices

Once candidates make it to the interview stage, fairness becomes critical. Too often, referral-based hires benefit from informal shortcuts, while “front-door” applicants—many of whom are women, people of color, or first-generation professionals—face stricter competency checks. Leaders can change this by diversifying interview panels, applying consistent standards to every candidate, and valuing demonstrated skills over prestige. When organizations commit to the less well known by treating all applicants with respect and consistency, they widen access to talent and strengthen the quality of their hires.

Performance Grows When Leaders Embrace the Unfamiliar

The biggest advantage of seeking out the less well known is performance. Research shows diverse teams solve problems faster and drive more innovation than homogenous ones. Yet the brain naturally resists unfamiliarity, perceiving it as a threat. As Stephanie Chung explains, leaders must intentionally reframe this discomfort and see difference as a strength. By exposing themselves to new cultures, ideas, and perspectives—even in simple ways like exploring different communities—leaders build the capacity to welcome fresh talent and thinking. The payoff is clear: better decisions, stronger teams, and greater business results