They say "what goes around comes around" and I suppose this is a universal truth.  This blog post has been on my mind for sometime, with much to think on and put forth. 

The reality of every interaction is this, we are blessed by what we put in, and what we get back.  Nothing more was readily apparent in this past week than this universal truth. 

Many have multiple ways of getting to end results, some may tell you what they think - positive or negative, and the way others treat you, the way you related back, and the way you treat candidates, clients, fellow co-workers et al shows much about the realities of a term I coin as "staffing karma".

I suppose it started strong in my HR interactions in a wide variety of contexts, seeing how multiple outcomes transpire for the right direction when you are trying to give your best on any given day.

Staffing truly is rewarding in it's own right, albeit challenging at times.  For 1 whole week I have had privilege to sit with those whom I have hired while traveling on a business trip to CA. 

It is in the short space of 1 week that I suppose I really learned more about nuances of my job than I could have ever anticipated, and about human nature in general.  The sharp reality is, we get back what we put in in our staffing endeavors.  If you fulfill your duty, and give your humanity in such a way whereby others can be greatly changed, where the fog of career advancement is lifted, where candidates go away and say to themselves, "that was a different experience that I have had" from "that recruiter", then in that realm my job has been accomplished. 

A universal truth is the reality that you as a recruiter will make mistakes, in a human business where the human touch is now more than ever, lacking, what is it that sets you apart?  What is it that launches success to its zenith, what is it, that can uncover vital steps forward? 

I have found myself at times this week pondering so much of my recruiting world as I met for the first time those separated by state boundaries and distance of miles, Having recruited, assisted, and seen 173 requisitions close, to put the names, faces, and powerful outcomes to bear on the future success has been enlightening to say the least.  Of these 173 - half I saw this past week, including hiring managers, partners, and others which truly enhanced my understanding of the reality of the world of those whom I have hired and what their challenges are. 

Recruiting surely is larger than any one recruiting/staffing professional, but it is there one must take upon themselves a higher resolve to understand and delve into the greater depths.  "Fit" is defined by so many factors - culture, professionalism, hard skills, soft skills, yet the people behind the jobs, the people behind the day to day outcomes are vital to our success.  Remember well - the hire you make today could change your company today for the good or the bad. 

It is so vitally important to redefine often recruiting's gifts to give.  I have personally only begun to fully comprehend the term "staffing karma" in it's myriad of forms.  Perhaps no one but other recruiters can understand this reality.  It is rewarding to help others achieve their end goals.  At the same time clients you serve - the hiring managers with the pain of the position that is open have more realities beyond the offer close and offer acceptance.  Recruiting is so much more than filling a job.  It brings associated domino affects, the training involved, the investment of time, while filling roles is as much a business expense as it is a long term investment, staffing karma is as powerful a reality as they come.

This past week I saw realities of the openings I recruited for firsthand by shadowing others, felt the gifts of persistence and grit of those whom work hard in the trenches daily, and saw client service at it's best.  Lessons my new hires in CA taught me will remain with me for a long time to come.

Even the hiring managers you work with can teach you a great deal.  I think if I were to sum up staffing karma I would speak on it this way:

1.  You get back what you put in.  The hires you meet and work with will be vital to your company's future.  Take care of them, and perhaps somewhere down the line they will take care of you or open a door for you when no one else could.

2.  You will gain relationships that may bless you for years to come in many vital ways.  No greater truth than that.

3.  You will foster growth for others that will definitely enhance your own when you go forward with your heart and soul engaged.

4.  You will gain a reputation to be proud of the likes of which will peak for your internal brand.

5.  Staffing Karma is the sum of residual benefit which carries you to new success as you master your business relationships.

I think the mantra "doing the right thing" for the "right reason" is what it is all about.

Last night on my way home after dropping off my boss, whom has also mastered staffing karma while here at ADP, I then had some time to swing by NetPolarity on my way to my family's house here in the Bay Area.  I happened upon the right time, and got to see my old colleagues from another happy time in my career.

The reality of doing right by others and a celebration of this fact full circle with some ever present and wonderful staffing colleagues, including singing "Don't Stop Believin" from Journey with Mark Tortorici, and toasting with my former CEO, David Chuang - owner and founder of NetPolarity the realization hit, I have been greatly blessed by not only ADP, but staffing in general across several industries.  Seeing new hires thriving and having them be excited about their jobs, well that is staffing karma at it's best.  Signing off from ADP's Milpitas office after a truly fulfilling and invigorating week.  True staffing Karma - 97% of my new hires still with the company, and plenty of blessings along the way.  That's how I would have it be to leave a legacy and reputation that carries me forward for years to come.  Nothing is as satisfying as that.