OK -

I have to shamelessly plug Mr. Scott Clatur (Manager of Talent Selection at Henry Ford Health Systems) again.

I asked what advice he would give a recruiter whose requisition load was "light". His insightful comment:

"Of course, this is an ideal time to pipeline candidates for future needs and/or look to top grade current staff members that are not performing to expectations. The question I always use to get my hiring managers into the proper frame of mind for this discussion is . . . "

"Would you enthusiastically rehire each and every one of your staff members?"

This thought provoking question usually starts a very fruitful discussion around:

• Types of candidates we need to pipeline for future needs
• Immediate issues with current personnel that will probably result in a hiring need shortly
• The competencies/skills required to be successful working for that hiring manager within that organization."

I LOVE this question! Of course it could be used in many other situations, including the intake session with a hiring manager when discussing succession planning needs, etc.

Scott - thanks for the great advice!

I hope everyone has a great week.