Misunderstandings in social media happen very easily: Twitter, Facebook, BlogTalkRadio, and Active Industry-Based Forums (like this one).  Such an incident occurred this week for me.  It was not so much a misunderstanding as it was a "jumping to a conclusion."  I assumed that someone had said or meant something that they had not.  And for this I am sorry.  I have already "socially" apologized, but I wanted to do so once again, here - public forum - and declare my wrongness. 

I am fiercely loyal to our industry.  I have never claimed to be an expert or a guru.  I am merely a follower and someone who had worked for many years as a recruiter and now, has the opportunity to serve this industry by working for a vendor - a software and client services provider and occasionally participate in an in-house recruitment or two.  I love what we do.  I love that I have had the opportunity to, really, fulfill goals and achieve dreams I never thought possible. 

These dreams and goals fell into place because I took a risk and tried something I had never done before.  I stepped out on the ledge and I took a leap.  Fifteen years ago as I took dental x-rays on a gagging four-year old, I never dreamed I would be a manager of recruitment for a start-up tech company in Newport Beach, CA.  Twelve years ago as I coached twelve-year olds in volleyball, I never guessed that I would work with a search firm on a $35,000 retainer to headhunt a Chief Nursing Officer for a hospital.

I was once new to this business, but that in no way discounted the respect I had for the industry nor did it diminish my ability to do the job.  So, because I was once a newbie and someone else believed in me - it is in my nature to fully believe in the ability of someone passionate though new to recruiting.  I can't help but raise my megaphone to shout, "Go get "em!"

And it was because of this passion, my passion to be supportive, that I jumped to a conclusion and accused someone of being exclusionary instead of merely cautionary and for that I am sorry.  I know when I am wrong and I have no problem admitting it.  A clean slate looks good on anyone.  So, I hope the injured parties, Mike Astringer and Rebecca Seageant, will forgive my shortcomings and accept my apology.  I never meant to disparage Mike during the Recruiting Animal Show this week; I only meant to protect the guest that day and a guest on a previous show.  I can sometimes be an over-enthusiastic mother bear - ask my kids.  But I am also the first to admit wrongdoing.  Life is too short and I like to keep my capacity uncluttered. 

Thanks...

And I will try and remember my motto always:  Treat others the way you want to be treated.

by rayannethorn