Reality. It's Not Just a Dumb TV Show.

“It’s the little things that count.”

Is this something that only people who give little things or think little thoughts say? Because I kind of want big things and I appreciate enormous thoughts.

“Money can’t buy happiness.”

Is this something that only people with money say? Because I think being debt-free and able to afford a few more comforts would do a lot to boost happiness in many neighborhoods.

Like many people, I am motivated by great quotes. I like to think and I like quotes that make me think. But I don’t like quotes or words that degrade, de-motivate, detract or decieve.

"Many wise words are spoken in jest, but they don't compare with the number of stupid words spoken in earnest." — Sam Levenson

I tend to agree with Sam. My mom used to say – quoting Thumper’s mom, “If you can’t say nothin’ nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.” I like to sub the word “smart” for “nice,” for If you can’t intelligently add to the conversation, just sit back and listen. Maybe your intellect will grow and you’ll be able to join in future conversations.

A former colleague used to interject completely off-topic thoughts to almost every team conversation. She was soon thought of as unintelligent while I am sure her intent was to appear otherwise. Becoming a fool in many things while a master in none seems to be a way of life for many these days. Too many have become used to jumping from job to job after a difference of opinion or the assigning of an undesirable task.

The mess of resumes that come across my desk of individuals seeking employment still shocks me. Their level of disarray and inconsistencies should no longer surprise me, I should really be used to it by now. I had a forklift driver apply for a Media Buyer position yesterday, as well as a walnut farmer apply for a client services position. It also makes me believe that we still have a way to go before us the recession before us is no longer before us.

You are not perfect for every job. And you don’t deserve a trophy after every tournament. Prove intelligence and skillset through your thoughts and actions. It sounds simple, I know. And yet, many fail to truly understand this simple suggestion. This doesn’t mean you can’t change fields or industries. I’ve done it, twice. But it does mean you can’t do everything. And really, if you operated a forklift for fourteen years, do you really believe you can assist a major corporation with their media buys? Sometimes, you just gotta get a grip. Reality – it’s not just a dumb TV show.

by rayannethorn

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Permalink Reply by Alan on July 4, 2011 at 3:07pm

We have fixed notions about the time, course of success and the nature of talent that encourages us to write off the very people who are most likely to (eventually) change the world. It's too bad out industry perpetuates and eliminates those who haven’t followed the path of the consistent but mediocre talents.

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Permalink Reply by Alan on July 5, 2011 at 5:15pm

Rayanne I fully appreciate your points. Frequent flyers have always been a pain. Unfortunately desperate people do desperate things. Can't fault someone trying to get by the gatekeepers. When it's got too much, I have spoken to them they've generally backed off when I let them know they have crossed over the line from being aggressive to harassment. Every now and then however it's that someone, doing something different, that catches your eye and when your done, you know you have met a game changer, suddenly the recruiting has gone to another level ... a good feeling!

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Permalink Reply by Alan on July 6, 2011 at 11:47am

I don't know about the hiring of game changers everytime. How many of "you" could one company hold?
Everyone on wants to be a game changer but most times you need the game to played first before you change it. Then if everyone is a game changer then nothing would ever get done. Workis the result because some routine activity needs to occur. Routine is boring but necessary and generates a lot of cash. Cooks, Doctors, Lawyers ... recruiters etc, = routine, boring but they make money.
Rayanne said:

I agree 100%... but a recruiter is expected to present a field of candidates that fit the parameters that have been outlined to them. A corporate recruiter with a smaller organization may have more leniency in bringing in someone who appears unqualified. It's an interesting perspective, to be sure...

If I were a CEO, in charge of my own organization, I would hire the game changer everytime - that is what my CEO did and does... It is a good feeling!