TWO WORDS

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

I often use “two words” in my presentations. No, don’t get your hopes up – - my presentations/speeches are longer than two words.

I use two words as discussion topics. Such as:
Desperate and Mediocre (don’t hire out of desperation or you will end up with a mediocre firm)
Banish Complacency (success breeds complacency, the gravy boat has taken a torpedo, time to get back to marketing, branding, selling)
Embrace Change (change is coming like a steam-roller to the profession)
Change and Action (does your staff ever say the following? “Our partners love change and are quick to take action.”)

This morning, I read an excerpt from Bruce Tulgan’s new book, Not Everyone Gets a Trophy. He used these two watchwords for the selection process in hiring Millennials: Rigorous and Fast

Here’s the excerpt:

When hiring GenYers, you need to develop a systematic selection effort:
The first rule of selection is: It is better to leave a position unfilled than to fill it with the wrong person. Be very selective.
Once you’ve attracted them, try to scare them away. Eliminate the Gen Y job candidates who only think they are serious by telling them all the downsides of the job in clear and honest terms.
Whoever is left after you’ve tried to scare them away is worth testing. Whatever testing method you use, try to devise a fast and penetrating test that goes quickly to the heart of the basic tasks and responsibilities the person will be expected to do if hired.
Conduct behavior based interviews. Behavioral interviewing simply means asking applicants to tell you a story and then listening to their story: “Tell me a story about a time you solved a problem at work.” Or, “Tell me a story about a conflict you had with another employee at work. How did you solve it?”
Offer realistic job previews.
Close the deal fast. If you move too slowly, you will lose a lot of great hiring prospects. The two watchwords of your selection process should be rigorous and fast.

“Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?” – - Benjamin Franklin