Don't Blame the Recruiter When Your Superstar Walks Out
Posted by Kevin Logterman on Mon, Jul 05, 2010 @ 03:21 PM
Stay tuned for more postings from Kevin Logterman!
When our search team is making calls to prospective candidates, there are two kinds of talent returning our calls. The first is the individual lacking the motivation and discipline to do a great job where they are right now, looking for a way out or aware that management may soon help them work their way out (ie, outplacement). During their free time (and likely during their working hours), they’re surfing the jobsites for their next position. This kind of talent is often times too receptive to our calls and will typically oversell themselves, thereby tipping us to their less-than-stellar level of talent.
The other is the talented individual who is doing a terrific job, admired by all and seen as a future star. You may be asking yourself why this person would return the call of a recruiter. Well, what’s missing in this description is the fact that this superstar is frustrated by a manager who isn’t giving them clear direction and feedback, not providing encouragement and, overall, believes this superstar should just be left alone for fear any kind of management will just get in their way of doing the great job they’re doing.
Ever watch the Kentucky Derby or a similar race? You see these beautiful horses, a combination of gracefulness and power, born and bred to run and win races. Sitting atop is a jockey, ready to guide and direct the horse to victory, a whip in hand just in case the horse needs some encouragement or direction. Without the jockey and his management, encouragement and direction, the horse is likely to lose focus, become frustrated or run so hard from the start it exhausts itself before the find kick.
Not unlike a thoroughbred horse, talent wants to race and is born to win. Every once in awhile, talent needs some direction, feedback and, yes, a crack of the whip. What you may not realize is that talent WANTS direction, feedback and a crack of the whip. Your average performers don’t, for fear you’ll find them to lack the makings of being a superstar. Superstar talent knows its good and isn’t afraid to be challenged once in awhile. Without it, they’ll look for someone who’ll help them become the best they know they can be.
Withhold good management from your superstar talent and don’t be surprised if/when they walk in your door to tell you they’re leaving to work with another organization and manager. If that happens, don’t blame the recruiter.