What The Foo...Can Teach You...About Recruiting.
Posted by Paul Siker on Wed, Sep 28, 2011 @ 04:03 PM
Recently, I went to see the 
Foo Fighters in concert at the new Consol Energy Center in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. To say that it was a great show would be an incredible understatement (provided of course that you’re a fan of Rock N’ Roll). Dave Grohl, the Band’s founder and front man is an exceptionally skilled singer, song-writer, drummer, and guitarist. He has surrounded himself with equally talented performers, who fundamentally appear to enjoy what they are doing. All in all, it was an energetic and gritty performance by a group that has unquestionably attained superstar status. In short, the Foo Fighters rock!
So, why am I posting about the Foo Fighters and what on earth might this have to do with recruiting? Great questions! I walked away from this concert thinking that Dave Grohl, in particular, stands out as being remarkably smart, not only with respect to music, but perhaps especially with respect to the business of music. His leadership has directly allowed the Foo Fighters to distinguish themselves as one of Rock’s true marquee acts.
I talk with recruiters and companies all the time about talent acquisition and the importance of competitive differentiators and distinguishing features, employment brand identity, crafting compelling stories, and creating a positive candidate experience. I also speak about the importance of effective communications and expectation management.
In reflecting on the Foo Fighters concert, I was struck by the degree to which Dave Grohl was incredibly adept at both managing and exceeding the expectations of 20,000 concert attendees. He was funny and personable; he was appreciative and genuine; he was upbeat and engaged. He connected with the audience almost immediately, and communicated that he and his band mates were going to play for a long-time. By “long-time,” I don’t think anyone was really counting on what ended up being a 2 hour, 45 minute show (capped off with a 6-song encore). The bottom line is that Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters “delivered” in every sense imaginable.
As recruiters we have an opportunity to “deliver” every day, and every day we have an opportunity to manage or exceed the expectations of both candidates and the hiring authorities we support. Delivering doesn’t happen by accident, but rather is the result of thoughtful planning and careful execution. Watching Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters was yet another reminder that more than ever, there simply is no substitution for: 1) having a great message, 2) working hard to deliver that great message, and 3) delivering the message in a manner that “drips quality.”
Wishing you ongoing recruiting success (Rock On!),
Paul