I need someone, anyone, now… just put butts in chairs — I don’t care about quality.

This must be one of the most feared phrases that a good recruiter can hear, unfortunately, it and phrases like it are not uncommon. A better name for it is “reckless hiring,” as such demands are essentially a directive to source candidates who are the real-world equivalent to Homer Simpson. While I certainly understand the pain a vacancy, particularly one in a highly visible role, can cause, such shortsightedness often ends up backfiring. (more…)

The culture in which someone grows up is only part of what drives their needs, capabilities and limitations on the job. “Stage in life” and overall psychological development are an important part of the equation. (more…)

Staff Management,  ”My Fair Lady” and George Bernard Shaw (GBS) all share a common theme: the power of expectation. If it’s good enough for Lerner and Loewe and GBS, maybe you should consider it.

Expectation Defined

In 1929, most banks in the USA were solvent. But their customers believed that they weren’t. The customers expected to lose their deposits. They rushed to withdraw them. The banks couldn’t meet the sudden demand. They became insolvent. Expectation created action. As George Bernard Shaw said, “The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves. It’s how she’s treated.” (more…)