The inspiration for this new column actually dates back to a day in September over 25 years ago. I was being interviewed for my first position as an associate recruiter at a small firm in New York City.
After a brief period of cordial small talk, the well-dressed general manager of the firm to which I was applying asked: “So why do you want to become a recruiter?" I’ll never forget the look on his face when I responded: I’m just curious about people …hearing their stories … why they do what they do …what drives them … learning how they reach their potential."
He peered over his small reading glasses, and said; "Son, if you want to do that, go become a social worker … we're not in the learning business, we’re in the placement business."
Needless to say, I didn’t get the job. While I was disappointed at the time, what I have come to realize is that, this short encounter represented a successful failure… a perfect example of natural selection in the corporate world.
However, because this gentleman was wise enough to ask me that simple but revealing question, he instantly gained the kind of insight that utterly disqualified me for a position under his particular leadership style. If he had not asked me that question, I might have wound up working for him. In hindsight, I believe that this would have been a disaster for both of us.
Fortunately, I went on to interview with a manager, a fellow by the name of Ed Perlman, who essentially asked me the same question, but understood my somewhat naive but truthful answer. Over the years, Ed invested in me personally and professionally. He was a first mentor, coach and eventually a friend.
A long time has passed since Ed and I worked together, and I've had other mentors since. But his insight into leadership and team-building continue to be a great resource to me in my daily pursuit of the unique qualities that make great business leaders effective at helping people realize their potential.
That's what this new column, "Higher to Inspire" is all about. Each month, we will bring you insights from some of the most gifted leaders in the marketing community. They have agreed to speak from their hearts and minds about what they have learned about hiring, motivating and inspiring the marketing people on their teams.
Higher to Inspire is written in the “voice” of the person being featured, with very little editing from us. I think you will find these essays insightful, educational and revealing. They speak volumes about the character and aspirations of those people who have realized their potential by empowering people around them to realize theirs.
During the coming months, we will hear from Brian Crockett of Accenture, Jeff Reinhardt of Primemedia, Richard Shaw of Seagram’s, Suti Prakesh of Pitney Bowes and Tony Hart of Best Buy -- just to name a few. First up to the plate -- tomorrow morning -- will be Lynn Wunderman, the CEO and Founder of I-Behavior.
It is indeed a privilege to be hosting this column for Reveries.com. I look forward to hearing from those of you who would like to comment or add to this unique learning experience.
Dennis Troyanos is the founder of The Troyanos Group, an executive search and consulting firm specializing in recruiting senior-level relationship-marketing professionals. Dennis has led many highly- acclaimed management workshops for the DMA and National Center for Database Marketing. He has facilitated CEO roundtables and written numerous articles on the subject of interviewing, hiring and retaining top performers. Dennis can be reached at dennis@troyanosgroup.com or 914-997-1907.
