The process of filling gaps is repeating itself. Over time, I have come to see job advertisements differently. My initial view of a job advert was that it meant someone was going. Their departure may not be immediate. The advert was a signal that someone did not measure up so an alternative was required.
Time has given me a different view. There are many reasons to recruit. Most of the time, it is not negative. It is not a commentary on those present. It is a desire for More. More help, more experience, more depth, more diversity, and more insight.
As I think of those I have recruited over the years, their qualifications in context of a specific time, place, and need stand out. I recall an intense discussion with my boss in the back of a taxi in India. This recruit was my silver bullet. If I could only have one, then this was it. The intensity of the conversation told me that my view was received in doubt. How could this be true? What would this person bring that was different?
He was a near perfect candidate. He had more doubts about the organization than the organization had about him.
In the context of it all, in this case I ended up playing the same line in mirror fashion to both sides. “He/you have been there. He/you are a key element in making a difference.”
Initially, I wondered why I needed to go these ends with either party. As I reflected, I found that the model has played itself out in repeating cycles over the years. In one case, a stranger confronted a wisdom father early in his life. His statements were variations on my own.
“You’ve actually seen the Righteous Innocent and heard him speak. You are to be a key witness to everyone you meet of what you’ve seen and heard.” (Acts 22.15)
Reminders are just reminders. He was qualified then as you and I are now. It is a matter of insight followed by belief and action. This is your reminder.
