But do you really care about the people you recruit?

Everyday, I witness the amazing contributions of our employees. From business development reps crushing stretch goals to marketers running world-class event campaigns to producers registering prominent and iconic speakers. It's wins galore around here. But for me, the person who was involved in recruiting these all-stars, there's something extra fulfilling about seeing our people shine.

In a weird way, I feel part of their success.

I, however, didn't do anything.

I didn't train them day in, day out.

I didn't review their work and provide constructive feedback.

I didn't conduct their performance appraisals.

Their managers did that. Their colleagues did that.

But primarily, it's the employees themselves that "showed up." They stayed the course. They followed the process. They asked the questions. They stayed late if they had to.

They earned it -- hook, line, and sinker.

But then why do I - the recruiter - feel this additional sense of pride in their accomplishments?

Is it because I'm selfish and want pass-through recognition? It's possible. Or, is it because I genuinely care about the people we hire, and I'm thankful that I had a hand in their selection?

That sounds more like it.

I'm responsible for the people we hire, no matter how it pans out. If they don't "cut the muster," I need to understand what went wrong during the interview process. I have to ask myself, "what did we miss or not test for?" On the flip side, if they soar beyond their targets and expectations, I need to copy that profile.

In essence, I'm invested unconditionally.

I'm making a bet that they are what we're looking for, and then some. I'm declaring them fit for purpose. I'm casting my vote.

As recruiters and talent managers, this is what we do. Everyday, all the time. We make bets and take an educated gamble on people — an at times unreliable and fickle organism.

It forces us to care deeply about our decisions. And so we must care, otherwise what's the point?

Though, I guess there are other reasons. You could be making placements for money alone. You could have just fallen into this line work. Or, it could be a stepping stone to something else that you actually care about. All are potential reasons you'd be in talent.

But it's not mine, and I hope it's not yours either.

This is a space that has rewards along the way, a bit like Candy Land. At the hire stage is the first prize of course, but then you get others every single time that individual makes an impact, leads a project, or helps others mature.

Jobs shape people's lives, both in the professional and personal sense.

We get to be a part of that.

How lucky are we?