Hi All,
Today is a bit of a rant, but hopefully you will indulge me, so here goes... Don't take no for an answer seems to be some peoples motto. And, while that can be very good in some instances, it can also be very bad in others. Take recruiting for instance. At our board offices there is a "No Recruiting" policy that is to be observed by all attending events there. "Think of this place like Switzerland" was the way it was put, it should remain a neutral zone and everyone should be comfortable here.
I just want to know what ever happened to appropriate business recruiting etiquette?
I have seen things rapidly progress from the subtle palming of a card and a knowing glance, to custom made chocolates emblazoned with company commission structure info, to stacks of newspapers entitled "The Recruiter" (gee, I wonder what that's about...) delivered with a flourish and the zeal of a tent show evangelist.
Now, I am not talking about exchanging cards and later calling someone up to see if the are happy where they are working. I am talking about almost strong arming someone to the point that they decide, or are told by their broker's, not to return to caravan. I am talking about practically hitting them over the head with a club and dragging their limp form back to your cave... err... office to do the deed and sign the papers.
Two weeks ago there was an announcement made that anyone caught recruiting during a board sanctioned event would be asked to leave and not return. It is unfortunate that it had to come to this, but it does seem to be necessary. There are some folks who can't or won't take "No, I'm happy where I am" or "No, I'm not interested" or "No... NO... A Thousand Times No!" for an answer.
I have been approached, like we all have, by folks who are enthusiastic about the company they work with and I understand, appreciate and share their enthusiasm. After all, if you get me talking about how much I like the company and especially the people I work with, its hard to shut me up as well. So I really do understand.
What I don't understand is why after being told in what I thought were no uncertain terms, the penalty and what not to do, people had to push the envelope. Last week the major offender in the recruiting wars tried yet another technique. As soon as the lights were dimmed to start the virtual caravan they spread through the room like a fog and cast about furtive glances as they passed out fliers with information about their current listings on one side...ahh, but turn over the page and there, big as life is a flow chart and bar graph talking all about potential earnings with their company and why they were the best.
Today, one week later we all returned to the scene of the "crime"... well, actually we didn't all return. Things were calm and much more polite and hopefully when word gets around that people are playing nice again, others will return, bringing their listings and their buyer needs, and we will all be better off.
Rant completed. I can now rest easy once again.
Take care all, help lots of people and have a wonderful day!
Tisza
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