LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT
by Tom Rollert, Vice President, Wray Executive Search
Some years ago, I attended a lecture by a professional management guru who informed us that Amateurs do what they love, but professionals love what they do. Sounds simple, right? As years have passed, I have learned that it’s not simple at all. I’ve learned that if professionals are not doing what they love then the reason they love what they do is about money or power or influence or self-aggrandizement or any number of other non-sustainable gratifiers. If you have worked in an environment in which the leader is one who is motivated by something other than passion for what they, and in turn their team/company does I think you’ll understand what I’m writing about. It’s a drag and the best thing to do is get out and find a better gig.
While you’re out there looking for that better gig, remember that a job interview is a two-way street. Selecting the leader who will enable you to flourish and love what you’re doing requires clear thinking your part and development of a plan. The plan starts by clearly defining your objectives, then developing a set of interview questions meant to reveal whether or not you will thrive in the new environment. The next step is executing the plan and that will require courage, enthusiasm tempered by objectivity and more of that clear thinking mentioned earlier.
Chances are you will be working with an executive recruiting firm like Wray Executive Search during your effort. If so, you will be able to enlist your recruiter as both a provider of inside information concerning the client (prospective gig) and as a sounding board in the development of your plan. Believe me, a candidate who insists on a solid process is welcomed by any professional recruiter as it benefits all sides of the equation; the candidate (you), the hiring authority, and the recruiting firm.
If your destination is a doing something you love, then it’s worth the effort to take the time to do it right.
Good hunting!
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