Something Greater

Hi Recruiters,

In the world of swimming, I learned early about the importance of setting goals. The big idea being that goals drive us. And they work by giving shape to our aspirations — whether we aspire to shed pounds, nurture healthier routines, or simply spend more cherished moments with loved ones. Each month, I carve out a personal milestone and dive into the pursuit of achieving it.

Sometimes I excel. Sometimes I fall short. Either way, some progress is always made.

But it wasn't until recently that I turned my focus toward professional goals. Maybe because I felt like all the objectives that outlined my work were my professional goals (they were not).

Last year, however, forced me into a deep introspection — a reckoning with myself. I reached a juncture where my strengths began to wane, and I realized it was time for a metamorphosis. Striving for growth and improvement, I embarked on a quest to redefine myself both as a leader and as an individual.

To get where I wanted to be, I knew I had to make some changes.

The Will To Change

I thought back on who I was just after my last major professional change. Transitioning from a career in recruitment to the vibrant world of marketing injected a fresh vigor into my veins. It reignited my passion for our industry and fueled an unquenchable fire to catalyze change within it. Yet to keep charging ahead, I needed external support.

One of my pivotal moves was enlisting the guidance of an executive coach. It was a game-changer in my evolution. Gone was the illusion that the upper echelons of corporations were populated by flawless beings; discovering that every leader relies on coaching was a revelation. I acknowledged my need for a coach and a team around me.

My growth journey thus far has taught me a profound lesson in decision-making: the need for confidence. Session after session, I layered knowledge upon knowledge until it solidified into confidence, and that confidence blossomed into instinct. Reflecting on the strides I've made over the last year fills me with pride, yet I know I'm just scratching the surface.

There's a mantra I share with Steven Jiang: "You only know what you know." Frankly, I don't know much. But what I do know fuels my ambition, and propels me toward my aspirations.

It's all too easy to coast along in our careers. When I was a recruiter, the question of "What's next?" often loomed. But as our industry hurtles forward, now isn't the time for complacency. 2024 promises even more seismic shifts.

We must be willing to shift with it.

Metamorphosis

Leading the marketing team at hireEZ, I may be distanced from the trenches, but I never stop listening to our community. Recruiters frequently confide in me about their struggles with embracing change. I feel we've echoed the same grievances for decades. And as a veteran, I find myself asking, "When do we break this cycle?"

The reality is only we have the power to make our world different. If you've been a part of this community for any amount of time, you know there's plenty of good difference to be made. For recruiters. For job seekers. For companies. For work. For life.

So, I implore all of you to set a new goal. Break an old habit. Acquire a new skill. Enroll in a course, maybe two. Expand your circle. Embrace failure — embrace embarrassment! Because it's in those moments that you learn.

Each day heralds an opportunity for refinement. You are your most precious investment. It's effortless to slip into comfort zones and hide behind what we know. And while what we "know" becomes the data or insight that drives best practices and processes, nothing is without flaws. It's what we don't yet know that provides an opportunity for improvement.

I challenge each of you: Step out of your comfort zone in 2024.

Discomfort is the crucible for change. It's the force that shapes us into something greater.

In closing, I'd love to hear from others: What recent change has led to an uptick in your professional growth? Maybe you'll inspire others in the community to take a step in a new direction.

If you have a story, please comment below or share it anonymously via this link.

Thank you for being a part of the community, and we'll see you next week.

— Recruiters