| June 1, 2022 -- For a small part of my career, I was a recruiter for a large factory. Their number one need was for entry- level positions. Those positions had the most repetitive and physically demanding work in the building. They were the hardest positions to keep filled, and I was constantly hiring. The reason it was always in need is because as soon as something opened at the next levels in the company, the new hires applied and advanced.
One month an upper-level position opened and there were 4 of my hires who had worked enough time to qualify and apply. I asked that hiring manager how he would make his decision. He said, “I’ll speak to their co-workers and choose the one that is most adaptable. Who is flexible when things change and who can embrace it with a positive attitude, they are truly what our company needs to grow.” This simple answer changed my own recruiting and hiring process to look for those people as well.
Adaptable people possess a willingness to bend and break habits and to challenge themselves when their circumstances change. They tend to face problems, pivot among distractions, and politely proceed forward. Adaptable people are prone to think ahead and consistently focus on improvement.
Change is constant. Technology and automation are on the rise, the job market is fluctuating, and societal norms that were once considered secure are now disrupted daily. The things we may perceive as threats could be opportunities for something new if we adjust our outlook.
Flexibility to adjust as things change, what can that look like?
When confronted with an obstacle, look for an opportunity above that obstacle with a variety of ideas and then resources that can be pulled from to create new solutions. True team players criticize less and seek to understand. They can be versatile visionaries who are proactive to find alternate routes to make things happen. They keep things positive and focus on what is working.
My time as a recruiter gave me a few lessons on life that I still think about and use today. Flexible, adaptive, and optimistic people make life and work a lot easier to manage. May we bring this part of ourselves into the work we do at the Grange. With a sense of humor and friends we may find more people like ourselves out in the world.
|
