Do You Speak My Language?

In today's global marketplace, skills are plentiful and talent is abound, but the destination of the Renegade (high-performers) is limited. Not necessarily by opportunity, but in availability, for they in and of themselves are a rare breed.

In the market they prove to be the axis, the pivotal point by which success is measured and potentially determined. Their impact has been known to forge the direction and even the organic profile of a company, stemming from their unquenchable thirst to ask THE question, test uncharted waters and venture into the proverbial unknown. It is the Renegade's innate ability to create, surpass and lead by sheer will that leverages them as the key to unlocking a company's next core product, venture or shift in the market. Yes, they are few and far between, but all it takes is one to alter the framework of a company and make it the envy of an industry.

Sound like anyone you know? Better yet... Sound like someone you would like to know?

The recruiting safari that Redmond is immersed in each and every day is truly fascinating. Armed with insight, experience and the tools of the trade, we venture out in search of talent that seems bred to allude us all. They camouflage themselves as part of a team buried in some department within a company who is in a transitional phase in one form or another, then, as if by sheer will, they rise to the surface and take their place among the elite.

What do they look like? What do they sound like? What gets them up in the morning with purpose? And... Where can you get one?

They look like you and me, eat Doritos and put their pants on one leg at a time. They sing in the shower, use a cell phone and rally around sports with their friends at the local tavern, but when it comes to what gets them up in the morning, it's not an alarm clock or the smell of bacon on the stove, it's determination, purpose, drive and possibility.

Within the confines of an intimate conversation, Renegades simply communicate differently. Their skills, background and experience are a forgone conclusion, what matters - is what matters. Not only to them - but to you.

When we knock on the door with an opportunity and they stop for a moment to consider a possible transition in their career, the conversation elevates and takes on a life of its own. What's different is the language they use, the questions they ask and the destination they intend to reach. What they seek is a company that not only pairs with their ambition, but understands their dialect.

A critical element in the process, is finding someone within your organization who can harness their passion, who can sit across the table from them with a united mindset that makes them feel at home with the idea of playing a part in your company's vision. If on the other hand that person is simply someone going through the motions of conducting an interview, I'm sorry to say, but everything that led up to that moment, has now become a complete waste of time. 

Over the years, one luxury that has allowed us to strengthen our understanding of high-performers (Renegades), is our willingness and ability to go down the rabbit hole with them. Doing so has made us sensitive to their hopes and aspirations, their unspoken concerns, unquenchable inner drive, and their fundamental demand for transparency. We have discovered that truly meaningful conversations, aside from being a lost art form, are the key to unlocking the heartbeat of those who can impact and potentially alter an industry. From a consultative position, our insight and knowledge allows us to aide our clients in an approach that helps to ensure their desired outcome, insight which has proven to be invaluable time and again.

We've dipped into our archives and extracted just some of the comments that Renegades have shared with us, compiled from several of our searches. Here they have expressed their desires, thoughts, observations and inner voice. I hope that you find these as constructive as they are intended to be. 

• “I am not a blocker, but an enabler … my focus is on channeling all our energy on the thought process – it’s about working hard and smarter with less friction – pain points.”
• "What most interests me? The opportunity to shape/influence – to “thread” a singular thought – i.e., map a singular communication where all concerned can grasp a strong vision of success."
• “Transformation is not easy – it can be difficult to change the mindset. It requires a strong emphasis on the value proposition and it requires top down buy-in and bottom up collaboration."
• "How do you make change happen? “YOU MUST DISRUPT THE PATTERN, NOT DESTROY IT!"
• "A great leader needs to have a vision at a high level and be ruthless about it, but stress that you also need to get “deep into the details.” People need to see you. That’s how you gain “followership.” It’s about finding great people and empowering them."
• "You must lead by “force of conviction,” not just by logic. Logic alone won’t persuade the team. They need to see that you believe in it. That you have a “genuine conviction.” It then becomes infectious."
• "I own the fact that I am ambitious."
• "I know how decisions are made." "A lot of people talk and do nothing" - "I deliver and don't talk about it."
• "How do I work? Three things: CONNECT, COMMUNICATE and COLLABORATE. You cannot “CONNECT” unless you gain respect and this requires strong business/technical acumen. Once you gain Respect, you can connect the people and should be able to COMMUNICATE in a way they understand which leads to COLLABORATION."
• "I am a believer in Serendipity – one puts themselves in the best position for things to happen."
• "I am about leaving a legacy – things that are running well and efficient. I am a Change agent constantly identifying opportunities for improvement, implementing them and seeing them thru as sustainable over time."

It is always important to note that these are people - not paper, with life-long objectives in mind. Critical thinkers who thrive on opportunities to move the needle. What defines them at their core is nothing less than extraordinary, and what they could mean to a company quite honestly cannot truly be measured. It is our job to scour the earth, cast our nets and lead the horse to water. It's your job to convince them that they can quench their thirst by drinking from your well. To do that, you need to convey your company's vision fluently in a language they understand. We can only hope that today we are speaking your language, and that this point resonates with you. As always, we're here to help.

About Steve Diedrick...

Steve is the founder of Redmond, a global executive search firm whose clients include world renowned brands and start-ups that are shaping tomorrow's world. As a highly respected authority and pioneer in the field of human capital with close to three decades in the space, his progressive ideas on search-excellence reflect a profound understanding/passion for the global economy and the ever-evolving mindset of the unique talent that propels companies forward. He has personally reached out to more than 100,000 professionals and interviewed over 35,000 potential candidates throughout his career. His personal drive, perspective, discipline and focus is a culmination of his life experience living abroad and the 27 years spent mastering the Martial Art of Qi Gong. His Mantra: There is nothing like direct experience that takes you from knowledge - to knowing.

Email me at: [email protected] or Text me at: 947.222.9200 and let's discuss how Redmond can help you.

? Redmond Research, Inc. 2019