Under a Microscope – The Genome Project

Several years ago, I sat in a 200-level English course that studied different forms of story-telling. Two class sessions were spent studying the 1997 Andrew Niccol film Gattaca starring Ethan Hawke, Jude Law, and Uma Thurman. This sci-fi drama quickly became a favorite of mine, not so much because of its science fiction content but more for the triumph of the human spirit and brilliant performances.

The film was highlighted in this class because of the conversations its subject would invoke and provoke. It addressed the issue of DNA and “the human genome project.” In other words, the concept that one’s DNA should determine the course of one’s life and career. Individuals were tested at birth and even prior to birth to determine the “type of raising” they would require. For instance, if the bodily make up of an infant showed a high percentage for even the potential of heart disease or other affliction, the determined course of their life would lead them away from anything that would cause strain on the heart or other weak organ/function.

There was much animated discussion among the students as opinions were shared and rationally listened to. We each had to write a lengthy research paper citing sources and revealing our own opinions. It was about that time that I wished my genome profile had revealed my propensity toward a nervous breakdown should I have to write a lengthy paper.

These type of career-fit determinations undermine the whole recruitment process. Instead of a phone interview, you request a finger prick to ascertain DNA and, ultimately, the future. Instead of an on-site interview, an agility test. Instead of IQ or skill testing, a DNA bank will be cross-checked to find perfect placements. Interview questions will no longer be necessary, as all the answers will be revealed on a microscope slide.

When free will is removed, motivation to do well or strive for more is squelched because limitations are set and understood. Can your DNA show whether or not you are suitable for a specific job? What about company fit and potential culture clashes? Limitations do just that: limit. When capabilities are restricted, potential is never reached. Heart and determination have to count for something. It is far more complicated than a simple blood test, yet far more simple than a strand of DNA.

“There is no gene for the human spirit.” – Andrew Niccol, Gattaca

by rayannethorn

Something to Tweet About

Do you think Google is a major player in technology? Do you think they pay attention to what is new, what is hip, what is important in social media? Perhaps. I recently heard an interesting fact: Google and Twitter have engaged in a multi-million dollar partnership. What does this mean to you and me? First, it means that Google views Twitter as a powerful business tool. Second, it means that Twitter will be backed by the biggest player in internet technology. And third, it means that Twitter is not going away.

Interestingly enough, Twitter is still not being taken serious by big business. What Twitter allows is the opportunity to engage personally with customers and clients – right now. While Google is a fantastic search engine, it is not right now, it is not this second. Twitter is real-time, right now, right this second. Imagine the capabilities? Combining real time with the most incredible search engine there is.

Do you think we need to take it seriously? I do. (she yells at the top of her lungs) I encourage my clients to create a profile, begin active engagement, and I even offer to help them put together tweets. While, at first, it can be off-setting and maybe a little daunting, Twitter is just a conversation. That is all. Keeping that in mind, what might you be interested in sharing with current or potential clients and customers, how about candidates? When you look at it as a tool built as a conversation enabler, it takes the “big and scary” away. It should make it easier to think of how you can make it work for you.

Are you in a niche? Perhaps you are a generalist. Perhaps you are a sourcer. Perhaps you own a business and want to know best hiring practices or learn the most that you can about HR and recruiting. Maybe you have developed a product to solve an issue within your own company or industry. How do you see the speed of Twitter and search capabilities of Google assisting you? It is never easy to try something new or to take a risk. Growth comes from risk. Development comes from difficulties.

If you haven’t embraced Twitter, try and figure out why. What is it that scares you? Or keeps you from it? I have heard many say, I just don’t like it. I understand this. I didn’t like the fax machine and I didn’t like it when theLadders started charging me after I had already used them for a couple years. I didn’t like it when my office got moved or I resigned previous positions. Not liking something is not an excuse. Learn to love it. And you know why…

by rayannethorn

posted at BonusTrack.us on RecruitingBlogs.com

Go Team!

How often do we get an opportunity to work on a team and enjoy it? Most business professionals view teamwork as a chore instead of a collaborative, learning experience. Additionally, not all team experiences should go smoothly, as friction is how fire gets started, how combustion occurs, how things happen, get done, evolve, or get discovered.

The trick to team work is recognizing that friction is good and taking on an “I will be rational” viewpoint. Too often, we get so caught up in how right we are, that is seals our ears and minds shut, so we are unable to learn or grow, in any way. Small-minded, closed-minded: both are poor attempts at hanging on to what we believe is right.

Opportunities for self-development are all around. Remember junior high? Do you remember all the learning opportunities and the chances to work on a team? This was all a very new experience. Life, as we knew it, had traveled down an unfamiliar path with new challenges and new friends.

As we grew and changed, so did our viewpoints and experiences. And our learning accelerated, new worlds were dropped in our laps along with a barrage of fears and inhibitions. Our work life, especially today, is no different. Teams can be a safe forum to try and test new theories or to hash out issues with other professionals that have a different base and alternate skills.

So, what are you afraid of? What stands in your way of team success? Usually it is only yourself. Put your hand in the middle with the other members and vow to give instead of take, to learn instead of demand, and excite instead of drain.

When it isn’t a game, what have you got to lose? The question really should be, what have you got to gain?

Function Three: To Motivate

The crowd roars in the background and stadium lights flood the field. The smell of freshly cut grass mingles with popcorn and dogs. An announcer calls out the first batter’s name in muffled tones and eager anticipation fills the stands. The batter crosses in front of the dugout to home plate, accompanied by cheers and jeers. Wringing the bat in his hands, tightening his grip, he checks his stance and settles his feet. He brings the bat back with the full intent of achieving his team’s goal – to win.

Everything up until the swing is planning. The actual crack as the bat makes contact with the ball is organization in action. This connection moves to action – action which is motivation and direction. The run to first base paves the way for the next batter and moves the team forward, each act brought about by the organized plan. The coach sits and views all this with a watchful eye making adjustments as needed or encourages passionate play to continue. Direction is necessary to maintain organization and pursue victory.

Evaluating each play and each player is the job of the manager. Was that the right next step? Is he in the right position? The coach and manager must communicate and supervise. Sharing concerns with the team must be coordinated and constructive in order for it to have impact and value. Whether you are a sole proprietor, only recruiter, part of a team, or managing the team, directing and leading from within – the 360° Leader – sees needs and defines action. Through example and motivation, goals are chased with zeal and are within grasp.

Leadership finds its way to the center, whatever role is held. The leader, the manager, the director, or the motivator are the lead-off batters, clearing a path and holding the torch, not only for visibility and clarity but to pass on when the time is right. The control of resources plus focus are imperative in the game – keep your eye on the ball. And players have to reach – motivation pushes employees to reach. Don’t wait for the ball to come to you, go to it. Meet it head on.

As the team moves through practices and takes the field for the big game, a level of trust must be in place. The relationships among employees, the amity held with clients, hiring managers, or candidates must reflect the commitment brought to each game. The game plan reveals the barriers early on, they are surmountable. The playing of the game displays shortcomings, they can be rectified. The desire to win, the direction taken to make it so, comes from within and it is achievable.

“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” ~Hank Aaron

by rayannethorn

I’ll Take Cake

Candidate interface. Client interface. Knowing the goals of both is necessary and easily deemed tiresome. Not exactly the most exciting part of the job. Candidates and Clients: when you discover a lack of cohesion between the two, do you push on, hoping that deficiency goes away quietly into the dark? Sometimes the rug isn’t big enough under which to sweep the insufficiencies.

Finding the balance in a candidate where their areas of strength coincide with the needs of the Hiring Manager or department can be tedious but that is part of the gig, right? Knowing needs and also deciphering the needs you don’t know can be difficult but not impossible. The sometimes mind-numbing task of debriefing the Hiring Manager to ascertain every nuance of the job or team is, unfortunately, elemental to drive success in hiring.

Recruiting 001,  requires you, as the recruiter/staffing agent/HR professional/search consultant/talent acquisition specialist/personnel officer to discern this basic before you even start. How can you possibly identify a valid field of potential candidates if you don’t truly know the position and environment into which you are hiring?

In conducting professional reference interviews, do you ask the universal question, “What would you say John Smith’s strengths are?” And, of course, the converse follows, “If John Smith had an area that needed improvement, what would that be?” Discovering the weaknesses of a candidate can be a little more difficult than having a former supervisor extol the virtues of said candidate. Weakness is such a strong word and strength is so passé.

I love the deadly answer for both – “He is a perfectionist.” Of course, aren’t we all? It is even more precious when it comes from the candidate, himself. Discovery. Detective work. Sorcery. (sourcer-y) Magic. Archeology. Digging up the bones for the dog to chew on. Asking the right questions.
Not such a simple task but not that difficult either. It is as simple as…, cake or death?

by rayannethorn

Shifting Paradigms

Narrow views of life become like a prison, not allowing one to experience as much as possible.  Welcoming new people and new ideas in to your realm and learning to understand and accept that we are all different will shape your future and allow for a lifetime of generative learning.

Recognizing that one does, indeed, have narrow views is only half the battle. Pledge to open your eyes and heart and learn as much as possible, keeping an open mind to alternative beliefs and ways in which to live. This simple approach will allow love and peace into your life, more than could possibly imagined.

Life moves on and we learn to deal with changes and differences or… we don’t.

Nobody put it better than Dylan…

“Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’
Or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’…”

by rayannethonr

“Gee, I don’t think there’s anything in that bag for me…”

Life reveals many surprises along the way. Every day should serve as a reminder of just how precious this life is and how we should do better. After all, with no quest for improvement, we would stagnate or be so full of ourselves that no one could stand us…, except for ourselves, of course. A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package, indeed.

One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever know…
No man is an island…
Man cannot live by bread alone…

and, The wise man built his house upon the rock.

What is the rock? It has been interpreted many different ways. Think of that “one thing” that Curly (Jack Palance) alludes to in City Slickers. It is your “one thing” that your house should be built upon, that gives you strength, that gets you up in the morning, that gets you through your day, that helps you make it through the night, that is or becomes your driving force. You have to decide what that is…

Is it your God?
Is it your family?
Is it your work?
Is it your friends?
Is it you, yourself?

No one person or thing can make you happy. Only you can make you happy…
My mother has said often, “You are about as happy as you make your mind up to be.” Our happiness comes from within, it cannot come from an outside source or from being loved.
However, if you love, if you give…, well now, that’s a different story, isn’t it?
That is one true thing.

I think the Great and Powerful Oz had it wrong. A heart isn’t judged by how much you are loved by others BUT by how much you love. And forgiveness? That’s the hard part.
For as impractical as a breakable heart is, how can one possibly know true joy without also knowing pain…

by rayannethorn

What is Normal?

Is it when your day goes perfect? Is it when a family consists of a mom, dad, 2.5 kids and a dog? Is it when you order a hamburger and fries? Or maybe a hot dog with ketchup and mustard? Maybe it’s when you are always the perfect weight. Or you never get fired. Or perhaps it is when you live to be 79.2 years old.

Is it when you like coffee with one sugar and one creamer? Or you like Seinfeld but not Friends… or when you get your license on your sixteenth birthday or you have a new job every six years… Or your first job, fresh out of college, you made $30K annually. Or you drive a five-year old car and you’ll keep driving it for two more years because now it is paid for. Or you like to go to the movies on Friday night…, or you prefer butter on your popcorn.

Maybe it’s when your son gets three A’s and three B’s and your daughter gets four A’s and two B’s? Or you pull weeds once a month… or you prefer 75 degrees to 85 degrees… Maybe you go to get a physical exam and everything checks out, you are perfect. Could it be when you make the perfect meal and there are no leftovers OR there are leftovers but they get eaten the next day and they taste just as good or even better?

Maybe normal is when you prefer to stay home instead of going out or there are never dirty dishes in the sink or your favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption – like 10 million other people (except they don’t really mean it because they don’t really get it)… Maybe normal is when no one ever complains about you or remembers you…

You like your steak medium, not rare or well-done. Your hair looks perfect everyday and you get a trim every six weeks like clock work. Your dog doesn’t eat your shoes OR pees in the house.

It must be when your flight departs and arrives on time, with absolutely no complications or when the drive-thru never forgets that extra order of fries. You are never late and there is never traffic… No one is ever offended by what you said or did. You are understood, at all times and in all things…, that’s good one, huh?

If there is such a thing as normal, I have never seen it and probably never will. Therefore, we must learn to live with our idiosyncrasies and with those around us who believe THEY are the normal ones.

So, unless you are talking about the city in Illinois (Normal, IL: population 50,000)…, I, personally, don’t believe it exists.

Failure IS an Option

Knowing when to ask for help is probably one of the most difficult abilities to master. It is never easy to say, “I need help.” For most people it is easier to say, “Can I help you?” We live in a society where we are told that we can have it all, but in order to have it all…, you have to be able to do it all. Not easy when time is divided between work, family, friends, school, church, activism, volunteering, promoting, blogging, commuting, birthday parties, baseball practice and games, rehearsals and performances, doctor’s visits for both family members and pets, yard work, laundry, paying bills, running errands…, the list is endless. really.

It helps to just know you need help. What is it? Admitting there is a problem is the first step to curing the problem. Yeah, right. Expectations are where the problem really lies. When you expect something of yourself or of someone else, there is great risk at being let down. So…, is the right avenue to lower our expectations? Or would it be better to learn acceptance and understand that everyone is fighting some kind of personal battle, everyone. No one is perfect, no one has it all under control, no one.

So, put on your armor daily, sharpen your sword, and face your jabberwocky with courage and the distinction that only you can.

“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another

with no loss of enthusiasm.”
~Winston Churchill

Remember: failure can be valuable… If you do not risk failure, you risk growing and learning. The education of life is more costly and dear than a PhD.

So say “Ha!” to your greatest adversary: time. Take risks and find comfort knowing you don’t have to fight anyone else’s battle… just your own.

by rayannethorn