Some of my favorite people are in town

re: Some of my favorite people are in town

Toby Getsch — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 06:50:47 GMT

Ping! I commented about this on my blog.

Charles Barkley is a role model.

http://tweblog.com/2007/02/12/charles-barkley-is-a-role-model/

You baited me in, by talking about Sir Charles! ;)

re: Some of my favorite people are in town

Martin Snyder — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:55:58 GMT

I think a neat thing about Gerry and Mark is that they are indeed "Gerry and Mark". They have been partners for a long time and their work shows the multiplier of a successful partnership in action.

I spent some time with both at the Talent Unconference and it is striking how different they are in some ways- Gerry the natural promotor and huge extravert and Mark the analyst and semi-skeptic.

In the staffing sense, those two are a walking example of how a team can empower it's members when in balance with the task at hand.

Thats why to me, staffing often is not about hiring individuals, but more often working with a complex admixture suited for a certain environment only.

I can't belive I didnt tag Heather with the 7 unknown leadership elements meme.....

re: Some of my favorite people are in town

HeatherLeigh — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 18:22:00 GMT

Toby - just commented on your blog. I agree and disagree.

Martin - Gerry and Mark are very different. I really got to know Gerry first as he's coached me through some situations (yeah, yeah, it turns out everything he said was right...glad I took his advice). If you ever need to hear "you can do it", Gerry's the guy. Then I got to know Mark and I ttoally agree....semi-skeptic. In that way, I can definitely identify! You know, now that I think about it, I actually spoke with Mark first. He won't remember, but I had their book back in 1997 (probably...maybe 1998) and I had a question so I called him. This is before I came to Microsoft. Fast forward about 8 years and Gerry called and asked me to participate in their colloquium that they were holding on our campus, so I could share about blogging.

You know, you make a good point. They could really be a case study in successful partnerhsips. When I need something, I send an e-mail to both of them and at this point, I can just about predict who is going to respond based on what I asked.

Ooh, and I am glad I avoided the leadership meme. I've heard of a loaded question, but a loaded meme? Sheesh, you might as well ask about my success as a supermodel : ) I'd take the Manaster approach and identify leadership qualities I find in others (hmm, role models even) and try to emulate.

re: Some of my favorite people are in town

tod hilton — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 18:37:14 GMT

On the role model thing, I think that publicity/celebrity forces someone to become accountable in a bigger circle of influence. In Charle's Barkley's case, the "I'm not a role model" line is a copout for not wanting to be held accountable for his actions. He's more than willing to cash in on his celebrity status for $ (commercials, endorsements, etc.). Don't get me wrong, I actually like Barkley, but I think he plays stuff up to his own advantage.

Obviously, your celebrity status is a little different so I wouldn't force you into the role model status. :)

re: Some of my favorite people are in town

HeatherLeigh — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:59:08 GMT

Gee thanks...my Bentley's in the shop anyway.

re: Some of my favorite people are in town

tod hilton — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 20:39:41 GMT

Well, at least you still have the Rolls. :)

re: Some of my favorite people are in town

tod hilton — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 21:03:22 GMT

Ok, maybe my comment didn't come out right. You are obviously a well respected member of the recruiting community. You are knowledgeable, well spoken and carry yourself with sincerity, dignity and self-respect. You might not consider yourself a role model, but your personality and actions (blogging) have put you in that position (whether you want it or not).

Regarding Barkley, he's respected because of his basketball skills, not his personality or actions. He's looked up to for a physical ability, period. Yours is different as it's not just something you do for a living, but also the way you portray yourself while doing it. Barkely can act like an arrogant ass on the court, but people will still look up to him for his ability to play. If you were to act like an ass while doing your job then you might find yourself in a much different position.

I'm not sure if that makes sense, but in my head I see a distinct difference...and pink polka-dotted elephants. :)

re: Some of my favorite people are in town

HeatherLeigh — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 21:11:53 GMT

Ack! Stop! : )

I do see the difference, but trust me, there are people that don't like me as well. Everyone has detractors.