Recruitment Blame Game

I sat down with a CEO of an international Tech company who made an amazing statement regarding a recruitment decision that went wrong, he said “that was my fault”…..I was amazed by this because 2 weeks prior, we lost a client because we challenged the hiring manager on how they treated a few candidates during their interviews. Some of those candidates were not from us but we knew them so out of care and concern, we wanted to share this with the hiring manager so they can improve.

We found out very quickly that sometimes people do not want to look themselves in the mirror, it’s easier to point a finger…Especially when things go wrong…it’s the “recruiters” fault. Interesting enough, this particular client said they were looking for a *recruitment partner*….if you are in a relationship with anyone you care about, I can guarantee there are things you will not tolerate and you will raise concerns about those things…. Unless the word *partner* means something different when it comes to recruitment?

Someone once said the way you do something is the way you do everything. As someone who is in a relationship with my wife, relationships with family & friends, when issues occur, no matter what, I believe every problem I am 50% of the problem. The reason I see it this way is because when I look at so many situations, I always think there is a way that could have been done better, maybe I could have reacted better, maybe if I did XYZ the I could have prevented the situation etc.  It’s hard to be in a relationship with someone who is not aware of their faults and they always think you are the problem. If you have a problem with everyone or always tend to have a problem with people then guess who’s the problem, YOU!

I think it’s important we change our thinking, if you are looking to *partner* with someone, be willing to accept correction. You are not perfect, you don’t know everything and so you will need to listen to other people who may know more about a certain area that you don’t, as long as their motives and intentions are right, then you should at least listen. Correction is always hard to take but it’s momentarily, but mistakes that could have been avoided are more painful and have lasting consequences. 

A man once said the minute you draw the sword, you are equally responsible for the blood so next time something goes wrong, before you lift up your sword & fingers, think solution first , look at yourself second , think solution again, discuss any issues with respect and honour, don’t attack the other person’s character and take it from there.

Back to the CEO, I can see why he’s so successful, his attitude is amazing, and I can see why his company will be smashing it this year, I was impressed because he listened, truth is truth whether it’s coming from a 3 year old or a 50 year old, it’s still true. Lastly remember the way you do something is the way you do everything, chances are, if you can’t handle corrections in the work place, you probably won’t be able to in other areas of your life. What will happen is, you will be like a porcupine, no one wants to be pricked so people will stay arm’s length and leave you to swim in your mistakes and problems. Change your thinking, embrace correction….