Last month I was honored to be on a panel for CTHRA discussing How Does Social Media Impact Human Resources? in Denver, Co. I arrived the night before and stayed at the JW Marriott in Cherry Creek which is right across the street from Elway’s (yep that John Elway) restaurant. Since I was by myself I decided to sit at the bar and enjoy a great steak dinner and eavesdrop on the various conversations going on around me. A gentleman across the bar from me was talking to two of his (I’m guessing co-workers) in a loud enough voice for most everyone to hear him. He was, for the most part, bragging about some of the large deals he had landed with clients and how one client was giving him fits for backing out after they had already invested several million dollars. He was confident he could save the deal and that it was just some kind of dance that the investor was making him go through. I am not sure why he was bragging so much, but he had the confidence of a top producer and no one was questioning his claims. Then I heard one of his companions ask “How are you able to generate so much money for the firm?” The braggart, who was now extremely focused on his mobile device, initially ignored the question. When asked again, he looked up with almost a shocked expression on his face and his response “It’s my priority! Plain and simple – it is my priority!” The companion flushed immediately and took a drink. That was it, nothing else was said. He didn’t go into how he does what he does, offer any sage advice to his peer, discuss specific techniques, or reveal which technology or tool helps him identify the best investors. “It’s my priority!” Though I was not impressed in how he was trying to convince everyone in ear shot that he is the next Gordon Gekko, I have to admit he knows his job. He is responsible for one thing – to bring in as much cash as possible to his firm. As a recruiter our priority is to bring in as much talent our organizations need to successfully run the business. I am sure there is more to his job – client management, positive customer experience, forms to complete – just like ours but the more I think about it the more I am convinced those are a means to an end. The more we forget our priority the more we hurt our organizations. If we are not focused on constantly finding talent that will meet the needs of the business then we are doing a disservice to our employers. Once we commit to our priority we will move our organization forward. I welcome your thoughts. Originally posted on www.letstalkrecruiting.wordpress.com