12 January 2015
Bogan's Rant - With Michael McShane - January 2015
Bogan Rant - Morals, Ethics and Incompetence
The December Bogan
Rant sure ruffled the feathers and caused me to grin like a
shot fox at the influx of creative responses, words of
encouragement, constructive criticism and the occasional abuse! One
caller persisted 9 times throughout the day. His message on his
private line was clear - he gave me an ear bashing, called me all
manner of names and hung up. Whilst the Bogan loves a good debate,
this one was relatively one sided as no time was provided to retort
and being over the phone, a head butt was not possible. Pretty
gutless, disrespectful and obviously lacking any morals! Whilst the
Bogan doesn't condone fighting, if this person could meet me at
school next week behind the shelter shed at recess time, we can
"discuss" his distaste towards my vernacular. We move
on.........
The over-riding intention of me doing my block every 6 weeks is
to raise awareness, say what we're all thinking but no-one will
say, pass on your collective feedback and ideally edge towards
positive change - making the industry better for us all. I can't do
it alone, but I can sure try - right? I don't want the rants to be
cannon fodder and as useless as the ashtray on my motorbike! It
makes me think of that saying by the Dalai Lama, "There are only
two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called
yesterday and the other is called tomorrow."
So, I'll have a crack today!
Quite a few HR related "Unsubscribes" from the last newsletter -
obviously took offense to the article as the truth rang true?
Apologies if I did offend you as that is not the intention, but
surely you can't blame me for your inefficiencies?
Interestingly, I had many phone calls from HR professionals
defending/justifying/discussing themselves and their departments.
Some solid discussions! If you read my previous rant
again, you'll realise that I am not tarring all HR
professionals with the same brush! Yes, there are many good eggs
out there along with very well structured and highly functional
HR/recruitment departments. As a percentage, I'd be supremely
confident that there are a lot more ethical HR professionals out
there than bottom feeding algal scum recruitment "agents" (as I
can't bring myself to use the term "professionals"). Agreed?
The retort rant from
Sheila was greatly appreciated and a good read - she is a
respected HR professional (and part time bogan) and wanted to
remain anonymous. Her final line really struck a chord with me,
"treat us with the respect and courtesy we do not show
you." How true is this! This can be applied to most
service providing companies as a generalisation, but in particular
recruitment agencies. Like used car salespeople, insurance brokers
and Lawyers, recruiters have a terrible reputation (that has been
duly earned) and unlike the norm, it's the majority that ruin it
for the minority! It appears as though (again a generalisation) the
majority of HR/Recruitment Departments are wired to be offended or
defensive when agencies call. I get it - you get hammered, your
time is precious so you need to be abrupt, forceful and definitive.
Like one of my favourite movies "The Castle", you "tell 'em to go
and get stuffed!". But, please note, not all recruiters are the
same either.............some genuinely want to and can add value.
Bizarre concept 'eh!
Incompetence, morals and ethics! How hard is it
to answer more than one query in an email? How difficult can it be
to make a query before making a hasty and final decision on the
outcome of a prospective candidate? You know how those team
building corporate days break down the word "ass-u-me".
If you make an appointment or commitment, stick to it. Too often
in the past few months I have seen clients waste my time and the
time of candidates. Yes, it is a buyers market and yes, you are
often spoilt for choice, but is that a directive to be
inconsiderate, unthoughtful, rude and disrespectful? If you need
help, ask - brilliant. If you don't need any assistance, say so -
no worries. If you've already got a candidate in mind for a role,
why engage a recruiter for more options? If you interview someone,
how about letting us know how it went - this year? If you need to
cancel or the role has been filled - let us know immediately. We
all have better things to do - fair dinkum, if the shoe were on the
other foot you'd be p*ssed off!
Some people seem to permanently have a few kangaroos loose in
the top paddock! They'll never get it and dead set couldn't
organise a fart in a chilli eating contest! Is it that, or do they
simply not care? I often sit on the back deck with my kelpie and a
frothie in hand, admiring the Torana and wondering how some people
manage to stumble through life.
Rather than jumpin' around like a flea on a dog, let's just look
forward to and hope for an improved 2015 for us all. When it comes
to HR/Recruitment departments and the relationship with agencies,
let's make it a year of brutal honesty! Be up front and have the
guts to eliminate the people you don't want to associate or deal
with and treat the rest with the respect they deserve. Let's get
ridgy-didge and give it a burl. It's a two way street and markets
will turn..............
As always, I'm keen on your thoughts! Am I on the mark or way
off? I recall I was wrong once - think it was 1994. Let me
know.
As we head towards another fully sick Australia Day, be sure to
get your lamb organised and fire up the barbie! Barbie at Richie
Benauds I hear!! How good is this new lamb ad! ! Happy
Australia Day for the 26th!
Bogans Pet Hate- A*se crack fashion! After
spending a week on the Goldie recently and observing the "younger"
generations! Seriously, how hard it is to pull up your pants? OMG,
WTF - Like, you know, um, whatev's, totes epic fail!