Sounds like life to me.
As a husband, father, friend and manager, I care. I genuinely care about those that I interact with on a daily basis. I am curious about their day—how it went and what happened in their lives. I am inquisitive about their future goals. I am supportive in their journey to reach those goals and am there to celebrate victories and help find encouragement during the challenging ones. I like to think we all care about those we interact with.
Well, what about with our colleagues? Or those we know but encounter much less frequently? Do we have the same type of relationship? Do we know what is happening in their life? Unless you are tied to your smartphone and have become the master of the English language in 160 characters or less…probably not. As we become busier and more involved in our daily routine we tend to talk less frequently, and rely on texting, or any number of new tools or non-traditional methods of communication such as poking or pinging. This is fine as long as the foundation is there and the poke or ping is just that a quick "hello" or "I am here" and NOT the norm for communication. Nothing beats one on one interaction or a long chat on the phone. (Apple calls it FaceTime for a reason!)
As a recruiter, it is in my best interest to maintain the same care and support that I would for those I encounter more frequently. After all, “Life Happens”and people’s situations change; and change happens quickly. During these times of change or uncertainty, people tend to rely more on those that care and are supportive.
I have worked in environments where the relationship was not the focus. The company cared more about making quick sales, and not the person, client or the individual. I am happy that my boss, Allen Plunkett, CEO of Phoenix Staff and Board Member of KidsatHope.org, has a much different philosophy – one where the underlying principle is more “Right for the client, right for the candidate….. Every time”. Thus we have the luxury of being able to maintain these relationships and be there when “Life happens”.
Often the strength of the relationship is only as secure as the last “touch”. When was the last time you went through your Rolodex and "reached out"? (As I write this entry, I am thinking about my first, second and third call I will make in the morning.) I too need to reach out!
Have a great, day. Kindly let me know what is happening in your life!
KB
