It has been way too long since my last post on RBC, I miss my village! Village? Let me explain.

This week my company kicked off our annual meeting, discussing 2009 successes and 2010+ plans. One of our main issues (like so many other recruiting firms) is everyone working towards common "team" goals. We are in an individual rewards environment (for the most part), but always chant the mantra of "go team".

Being the prolific and humble speaker I consider myself, I stated that "we need to act like a village, versus a neighborhood".

In a village people work together, pulling their equal weight and putting their village's needs ahead of their own. Imagine if all recruiting and sales staff put the needs of co-workers, clients and others ahead of their own. What do you think that village could accomplish?

What if we...

1. Thought about our clients resource needs from the vantage of solving their business problems versus putting the focus on making "another deal" and prematurely calculating commission (premature calculation never pleases anyone).
2. Considered the impact of recruiters' negative statements about the "sales team not getting enough orders", before understanding that pounding the pavement in 5" inch heels to bring in one order, takes more than a cute smile and nice hair.
3. Thought about the emotional drain that occurs when a sales person is constantly asking recruiters "where is my resume" on lavender squirrels and more intensive searches... every day!
4. Focused on building trust and relationships with other villagers.
5. Considered our clients, villagers.

What if we thought about our village's needs and focused on "What can I do that will have the most positive impact on my village".

We are all doing this for the same reason; make a good living and put food and water on the table, you know....basic survival!

I challenge each recruiter and sales person to take on the mentality of village people!

Disclaimer: This is in no way, shape of form to be confused with The Village People, the band. Please don't read this post while sleep deprived or under the influence, I don't need a Policeman, Indian and Cowboy showing up to work in chaps!