I Actually Give A Damn.
I had an interesting conversation recently. Someone actually confronted me and asked why I was writing articles every week and producing so much content. They even more or less challenged my intentions of branching out to platforms like Twitter and Instagram. I guess what they were asking was - what's my agenda? What's my end game?
To be honest, I was offended at first. I guess in this day and age everything is suspect. People anticipate that there must be a means to an end. The simple answer is that it's just part of the equation. It's not tactics or obligation. Lord knows there are so many other valuable things that I could be doing with my time.
The fact is, after 25 years, interviewing over 35,000 candidates, reaching out to more than 100,000 people and investing in excess of 75,000 hours in your space, you simply have a lot of insight to share from a unique perspective outside of that from a typical HR environment. Insight, that might actually make a difference.
For years, we at Redmond made a conscious decision to keep everything close to the vest, and more or less, thrived in stealth mode. But in 2019 we chose a different direction, to add value and contribute as thoughtfully as possible to the community that we share. In fact, one of the hashtags used in every one of our articles and posts is #thoughtfulsearch. Not because it's trending, but because it defines who we are.
The pulse of what we put out there is not "mainstream" by any means, meaning that it doesn't necessarily echo the popular opinions and sentiments of others on topics that seem to be top-of-mind in certain circles. What we look for is to challenge conventional thought, maybe go against the grain if we have the data and facts to back up our position - be it popular or not.
A word that I value and use frequently is - intent, and I know my intent. Do I hope that our articles and over all content offers the community a look inside our company? Do I think that perhaps it may offer some insight as to what makes us different and how we approach business? Of course, but it is genuinely who we are, so if people find it compelling and constructive, then I guess we get a gold star, and if they don't, well that's perfectly fine too.
I realize a certain stigma can be associated with search firms, and interacting with them or their content could be perceived as having various meanings - I get that. However, I'm writing as a member of a leadership community and as the CEO of a company that feels he has something to offer, not as a search firm. I honestly want that to be clear.
What I (we) produce content wise, is an extension of ourselves, and hopefully, conveys that we actually give a damn. We are invested in what we do, who we represent and who we are. In an industry that is very much perceived as "transaction based," the fact is - we actually care, which is often what we find that people look for when they reach a level of frustration with those who don't.
Hopefully I'm not overdoing it here, but the comment gave me pause to wonder if others might have this on their mind, so I felt compelled to address it and make my intentions known. So, if you happen to see an article, a post or, perhaps a comment on your content, at least you'll know where it's coming from.
Thank you for your time.
Steve Diedrick CEO, Redmond
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
As you are clearly stating, you have decided to make a major change in the way you interact with the community. it is a recent change and radical departure from the prior way as well. I am not surprised that some people are trying to second guess intent. big changes are not undertaken lightly, normally. so there must be an important motive behind. change for you is as well change for others. I can see how the less optimistic around you immediately build scenarios where your changes are going to bring upon them a net loss and they need to be explicitly explained and bought in (if you want them to be part of the new journey). that's why resistance to change is one of the main challenges we confront on a daily basis. Steve Diedrick?your letter is clearly stating that you are changing and why. Now you need to keep repeating the message until the second guessing fades away.
VP Marketing | Tech | AI | Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing and a Customer-First Mindset
5 年Steve Diedrick great article! I’ve seen some of this “intent questioning” in other circumstances too, and often wonder about the kind of insecurity and defensiveness it stems from. Why not appreciate value for what it appears to be on the surface, than questioning why it was delivered ? Interesting you see the same behaviors.