16 June 2014
Bogan's Rant - With Michael McShane - June 2014
Ladies and Gentleman, Please assume brace positions.
Here's why the person screening your job application could be
just as crazy and possessive as your ex.
We've all heard the horror stories. Johno is dating some sheila
who thinks that reading his text messages and updating his Facebook
for him is a very important form of protection. He's only 30 years
old. Clearly he's not capable of making his own decisions. I mean…
what was he thinking making friends with that Heather girl. Just
because they work together doesn't mean they need to talk to each
other.
That wild eyed, not entirely secure in their role, frenzied and
partially psychotic bodyguard who keeps herself close and your
friends behind a very safe and moderated barbed wire fence.
If you've never dated him or her, then congratulations. You have
bloody legendary taste. Drink a beer or two tonight and celebrate
some good taste and good luck.
For the rest of you who are hiding under your desk at the
flashbacks my descriptions just created, hear me out on the theory
that's been keeping me up at night.
Over the past 12 months everybody in the mining industry has
become a little less sure about how secure they actually are. As
this shift has occurred, I've seen more and more parallels between
the crazy ex and the bulldogs and body guards that keep your
application from getting through to the people who actually need a
bum on a seat.
Now before you slam the theory as the rantings of a mad man,
give a couple of companies a call and see if you can spot the
difference between a recruitment team who is secure in their roles
and one who is unsure of their future. Between a department with
strong communication and one with antagonism.
Recruitment is not a mechanical process. It is not an exact
science. Inevitably emotion, mood and luck come into play even when
they don't have a place to.
I have given this topic a lot of thought over the past few
months but have yet to have that eureka moment. Is there a right or
wrong when it comes to working with people who are not secure in
their roles?
The short list of things I can say with certainty is as
follows:
- Don't take it personally. It's probably not about you, and if
it is, it's not your problem anyway.
- Ask to speak directly to the person you need to, but in a
friendly way.
- Communicate your frustration. If noone knows there's a problem
noone can fix it.
- Cutting this person out of the loop will not help your cause.
Keep them updated, ask and inform as necessary.
- If you are on the otherside of the situation, talk to inform
and to draw boundaries. Make sure the person knows what your
expectations are.
- If this person is you, know that your fear is your failure. If
you are doing a good job, there's no reason to be insecure. Have
some self confidence. It's the best cure to what ails ya!
I'm not one to give relationship advice. Really couldn't care
less. But I do believe that there has to be trust and communication
in any relationship. Perosnal or professional. This defensive
behaviour can only be seen as a breakdown that needs some serious
attention.
Have you encountered this situation before? Email Bogan McShane
at bogan@stealthrecruit.com.au
I'm keen to hear what you have to say. I'd like to do some more
digging on this topic soon.
Bogan's Pet Hate - People who fart on planes. We're already in a
sardine can. Don't make it worse!!