This week we bring you Shirley Anderson’s latest interview in the series with Ronald Jessop, Placement Partner Director, who heads up the Cape Town office. Ronald introduces us to the second phase of this support initiative and shares his insights into how recruiters can make the most of the extra time and ensure the greatest odds for success when our economy is back up and running at full pace.
What does it mean to warm up in this context?
The focus of this week is preparation. Ronald mentions a very pertinent quote from Lucius Annaeus Seneca,
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
Previous success means little in the unprecedented situation we face. The distinction will be seen in what was done during the time before things start back up. We will most likely be back at it in 2 weeks, which means we don’t have all that much time left to do all those things we had hoped to get checked off the list.
Ronald recommends that we focus on things which are within our control and that which will enable us to flourish from this point forward.
Which habits should teams be building during this time in order to be better prepared?
The first step involves the establishment of solid routines for you, as an individual. This will allow you to calm your mind and retain focus on things that really matter. Businesses then need to offer the same kind of stable framework in terms of work routines, including set times for meetings, feedback and planning.
If your business has been put on hold, then this is an excellent opportunity to work ON your business, rather than IN your business. Use the time to engage your team in brainstorming exercises to find ways of improving.
What does it mean to warm up in this context?
Ronald aptly points out that this is really the ideal time to focus on maintenance and improvement efforts. We will mostly likely regret not having done more, especially because these activities are so much more difficult to do when business is in full swing. “You can’t sharpen a saw while sawing!” he says.
Here are the top 3 things to focus on:
~ Maintenance of existing systems
~ Implementation of new systems for improved efficiency
~ Training your team
~ And planning for the future
Where should recruiters focus their efforts to automate and systemise their businesses?
Recruiters should systemise any aspect of their business which can be automated, either by finding a system which fits their business requirements or by adapting their processes to better fit a new system. Recruiters are known for their people skills and so, any mundane or repetitive tasks should be left to a system in order to free up our creative energy.
Ronald gives us this list of the most important things to look for in a recruitment system:
~ Reliability and a proven track record
~ Fit for purpose design
~ Excellent performance
~ Local support
~ A customer service orientated business
~ Forward-thinking and progressive in terms of services and features offered.
Be sure to use this time to build your business’ capabilities and capacity for future adaptability by keeping the spirit of creativity alive as the lockdown begins drawing to a close.
If you are looking for some more inspiration, be sure to join our webinar on Thursday and be a part of this meeting of like-minded professionals!
