Driving Forces: Navigating During Turbulent Times

Picture this, it is another Sunday afternoon doing errands with my mom, and a call interrupts our car karaoke session of “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis. She gives me the "shhh!" with one finger (you know what I am talking about), and suddenly, I hear a voice through the speakers. From the passenger seat, I noticed a sparkle in her eye. She has now transformed into another person, like when Diana Prince becomes Wonder Woman. She was in her comfort zone. By the end of the call, I could tell the caller's confidence had increased due to her support and guidance. As soon as the radio turned back on, I lowered the volume and curiously asked, “What was that all about?” as any nosey fifteen-year-old would. After explaining how she supports the advancement of careers by ensuring alignment to a role through values, I smiled. Through her passion for building community, influencing positive change, and ability to create a safe space, it soon became clear this was not any given Sunday. It was a day of anointment. I realized I wanted to help others chase their dreams too!?

As we navigate the complexities of today’s job market and our ever-changing career aspirations, it is important to take a step back and reflect on what truly drives us. Is it a passion for a particular industry or profession? Is it the desire to make a positive impact on the world? Or is it the need for financial stability and security? Whatever it may be, understanding our underlying motivations can help us make better career choices and find fulfillment in our work.?

Now we all know some days are better than others. Work is not always going to be sunshine and rainbows, but I challenge you to think about what drives you. At the end of the day, recruiting is a human experience, is it not???

Here are 3 key concepts I leverage in my pursuit of creating this experience for all:

Authenticity is the key to success:?

Striking a balance between bringing value to a new company while maintaining my authentic self was the most challenging skill I have ever learned. I experienced discrimination upon entering the workforce which made me fearful that I would not be taken seriously because I am gay. By facing this adversity, I found my voice.??

When people ask what I do for a living, my first answer is not Talent Acquisition Manager. I describe myself as “a bridge builder!" which usually warrants a confused look or a follow-up question. Well, it is simple: I build bridges between candidates - from helping them with confidence in their abilities, connecting them with diverse leaders, to ensuring they know I am a sponsor for their future. Throughout the process, I am responsible for building trust, but also:?

• Empathy - be as understanding as possible.?
• Transparency - provide clear and concise expectations.?
• Connection - be unique in your approach.?

Stay vulnerable & share your story:?

In today's job market, candidates are no longer just looking for a job; they are looking for an opportunity that aligns with their values and provides a positive and inclusive work environment. By humanizing the candidate experience, recruiters can create a more meaningful and memorable connection with candidates.?

Sharing personal stories and demonstrating vulnerability can help candidates connect with us. When we share our personal experiences, they begin to feel more comfortable sharing their own stories. This creates a more authentic connection, leading to a better understanding of each other's values, work styles, and career goals. In other words, it is a two-way street, a give and take, a mutual concession. By leading with empathy and thoughtfully presenting opportunities that align to career goals and core values, a sense of belonging is immediately created. Some call it their superpower, I call it my je ne sais quoi! This understanding has led to my ability to hire diverse leaders that might have overlooked my company previously, as well as the most noteworthy I have made in my career.??

Humanizing the candidate experience through vulnerability and personal stories can be a powerful tool. By leveraging value-based initiatives, we can ensure seamless hiring experiences are being had to attract and retain top talent, thus leading to higher employee retention rates and a stronger employer brand. Remember, by curating each experience uniquely to the individual, they are much more likely to feel valued and invested in the hiring process.??

Challenge the status quo:?

?When thinking about challenging the status quo, I recall my 5th-grade teacher asking the class to draft an essay on what we thought it meant. At the time, I remember assimilating it with the "golden rule” - treat others the way you would like to be treated. Today, I have reimaged this in my pursuit of diversity by ensuring the crucial steps to build a more inclusive and successful workplace are being taken.??

This is a multifaceted topic, so highlight three?it to three key strategies I have personally enabled:?

1. Create a lasting impact within the diverse communities we live and work in by reinventing the way we collaborate, especially for our customers, customers:?

• Lead?Behavioral Interview Trainings to re-examine traditional hiring practices and biases that may be preventing diversity in the workplace.?
• Develop programs and initiatives to attract and retain underrepresented groups, such as partnering with organizations; Hiring Our Heroes, NSBE, and ALPFA, that serve diverse communities and create mentorship programs.?
• Provide diversity and inclusion training to all employees, including managers and executives, to foster a more inclusive workplace culture?
• Measure and track diversity metrics to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.?

2. Spark action outside your comfort zone, change is inevitable:?

• Encourage employees to take on new challenges and try new things by providing opportunities for growth and development, such as training programs, mentorship, and tours of duty?programs.?
• Foster a culture of experimentation?by encouraging employees to take risks and learn from failures.?
• Provide the necessary support and resources to help employees feel confident and prepared when taking on new challenges.??

3. Set the standard when exemplifying a value-centric culture of empathy and connection:?

• Define core values that are important to the organization and align business practices with those values.?
• Foster a culture of transparency and accountability by providing regular feedback and encouraging open communication.?
• Recognize and reward employees who embody the organization's values, such as through employee recognition programs.?
• Lead by example, with executives and managers modeling behavior that reflects the organization's values.?

Challenging the status quo in these areas requires commitment and a willingness to make changes, but the benefits of creating a more diverse, growth-oriented, and values-driven workplace can be significant for both employees and the organization, both in terms of creating a more inclusive and innovative workplace and in terms of long-term business success.?

As I progress in my career, I constantly keep in mind my origins and how far I have come. Perhaps, for you, it is a distinct memory or an experience that reminds you of your journey. It is crucial to recognize what genuinely inspires and propels us forward as we navigate our career paths. For me, a car ride with my mom. This self-awareness empowers us to make informed career decisions and pursue opportunities that align with our principles and ambitions.?

Recruiting is a human experience that requires authenticity, vulnerability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. As recruiters, we have a responsibility to provide a supportive environment for job seekers and help them achieve their career goals. This means being authentic in our interactions, staying vulnerable and open to feedback, and challenging the status quo to create a better recruiting experience for all.?

By embodying these key concepts, we can create a culture of trust and respect that empowers job seekers to pursue their dreams and contribute to a more successful and fulfilling workforce. Our ability to serve those we connect with reflects our commitment to creating meaningful connections and building a better world for all.??