What I learned in the last year about my job, from my rescue

A year ago yesterday, me and my partner (Bear) got a rescue pup.? It’s not our first one, in fact we have three and have had three for years. The last two have been rescues and we’ve had others before them.? It’s safe to say we’re dog people. When we were chosen to be Suman’s “forever home”, and I use the word choose deliberately, we were elated. After all the name Suman means: "Sweetheart" in Sanskrit.

When we met Suman, he was a bit suspicious.? He quickly acclimated to our other two and was very quickly bonded with Bear. If you’ve met Bear, you know why. You’d be hard pressed not to love bear - but that’s a different article.

Within the first three days Suman had snapped at me twice and got me pretty good the second time (Christmas morning).? I didn’t know him and assumed he was the same as other animals we had owned in the past, which was the challenge.? I didn’t stop to consider he was terrified in a new place, with new people who expected a different routine than he was used to. He wasn’t a puppy. He had a background and experiences I was unaware of and triggers I didn’t understand but needed to.? While we were very happy? to have him with us, he was? trying to figure out what to do to survive.?

As the year went on Suman and I danced a delicate balance of learning what worked and what didn’t? for each other. One of those “learning lessons” had me in urgent care at 8AM one morning and another had him in the animal hospital (pancreatitis).We both wanted the same end and there was clearly a communication gap.? Neither of us knew how to get there, but we kept trying. It would be less than honest to say I had not strongly considered giving up on him on multiple occasions and getting him back to the rescue.? Bear of course convinced me each time he just needed a little time based on his research of what it takes for some rescues to accept a new home and “pack”. Super smart Bear… he knows I can’t argue with data. The short of this is we have been able to get to a cruising altitude of trust to build on, and he’s my favorite (don’t tell the other two).? It took a year, a tremendous amount of patience, kindness, empathy and willingness to get beyond? what my ideas were on what it means to truly build trust.? He’s forced me to grow as a person and I am grateful working with him has been so challenging.? Needless to say, I’m glad I listened to Bear… as I usually am.

It’s a nice story with a happy ending. Fitting for this time of year, but what the hell does it have to do with recruiting? Everything.?

It’s no secret, recruiting has been very difficult this year.? People, unlike any other “product” in the world, have their own mind, thoughts, fears, hopes, dreams, designs, and aspirations.? Additionally, they have their own triggers, suspicions, tolerances and previous experience that allow them to form the narrative they live in. Each one is unique and each one valid. These paradigms are the place people operate from to make decisions about what is safe, exciting, and motivating.?

The pandemic has done a number on the collective psyche. Each one of us has been dramatically affected by the impacts of intense cultural and lifestyle shifts, none of which we asked for. Not too dissimilar from Mr. Suman being dropped by a family he had grown to love, in a place that could not be more foreign and needing to figure out how to “survive”.????

How has this experience changed the way I do my job?? It’s changed the way I work with people.? Kindness, patience, listening, empathy and understanding are more important than ever.? Not as a concept but rather a true investment in wanting what is best for both parties.? Even if it means you don’t “win”.

People decline offers, and it stings when it happens. When people choose a different road,? I celebrate them for their achievement rather than express disappointment. Why? I sincerely want what is best for them as a human being. Yes, I need to put my selfishness aside and work a little harder. Good, it forces me to do my job better.

Some people have been demanding, unreasonable, cynical and at times angry.? Where I would have been dismissive in the past, I’ve taken it on to listen and ask relevant questions from the standpoint of wanting to understand. It is the same with Suman.? Rather than get angry and frustrated when he’s triggered, I take a step back, don’t react and ask the questions why and what was the catalyst. This approach alone has made the difference for so many people who also experience recruiter fatigue - yes,? it’s definitely a thing.

When people have struggled to find the right position or find the right fit for their team they often feel lost. I've found it rewarding to invest in working with them through their resume/ job description/ employer brand, help them prepare for their interviews even when it is not “my position” they are interviewing for and talk them through the results if it was a less than desirable result.

The net result of my experience working with Suman on a daily basis as it relates to work, is realizing how deep, meaningful and rewarding recruiting can be when it has heart.? Don’t get me wrong, recruiting is a for profit business and when successful, pays? well.? There is a way to make a good living and make a positive impact on the people who choose me as counsel.? People are going to “bite” you. In the future, some of those people become the people you appreciate and enjoy working with the most. Just like Mr. Suman.

While it is a bit of a strange correlation, I hope some of this lands for those interested enough to read it. No one wants to be treated like an object. ? Be kind and patient. Relationships take a lot of time and energy to forge and while they can be difficult to form in the new digital world we live in, every one of them is valuable and none of them should be taken for granted.?Work with the people you don't understand or frustrate you. If you do, there very well may be an amazing connection on the other side.

Thanks for reading… Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year to you!