Monday, January 5, 2009

In search of a reason

People work for many reasons. Some people work for money, others work for prestige, others work for purpose. Some people work because they like to talk to people all day, like a gas station attendant at my local gas bar, and some people work out of duty and responsibility to others.

Regardless of the reason for work though, the process is the same. Those seeking employment make application to the potential employer, usually after they have posted an ad in the local newspaper, or professional trade journal. In this process, the applicant auditions for the part by first making sure the resume matches the description of the job, and then to make sure that the resume is appropriate to the nature of the job.

But what if the tables were turned? What if we, the workers, were to post our requirements, and potential employers worked to shape the job to the people they are hoping to attract. If this were the case, what would your ad say.

Here is what mine would say:

I work for purpose, with purpose. I am a person who is passionate about what I do, taking great satisfaction in getting results, and making things happen.

I am in search of a firm that has a fearless desire to move forward, and understands the value of having excellent people, adequate systems, and the ability to create value for the stakeholder groups. I am in search of a organization where, no matter what kind of day I had, I will leave at the end of the day, and say to myself, that was time well spent.

More importantly, I am in search of a leader who is able to inspire others with a vision, and who can engage even the most distant and uninterested person in the importance of this vision. My leader must be courageous when it comes to making decisions, filling gaps, dealing with poor performers, managing the boss, and yes, telling me when I could be doing more. He knows that success only comes when others are successful, so he or she invests time, energy and resources in making sure his staff are learning and developing to their utmost potential. When he or she makes mistakes, immediate corrective action is taken.

My leader inspires me to do better and holds me accountable so that I continue to develop and expand my potential. My leader listens when I talk, looks me in eye when we have conversations, and is focused on the matter at hand. Above all, my leader treats me and others with the utmost respect and dignity at every opportunity and interaction.
If you would like the opportunity to work with a person who is intelligent, accomplished, innovative and creative, please submit your application as well as a cover letter that explains how you have contributed to the company's success over the past 5 years. Moreover, please provide a copy of your organization's employee satisfaction results, customer satisfaction, financial results, as well as a profile of the management team and board of directors. All applications will be reviewed, and only those who demonstrate these qualities as outlined will be contacted.

Thank you.

No comments: