Enrollment, according to the author in Art of Possibilities, it is not forcing, bargaining, or tricking someone to get your way. It is the art and practices of generating spark to share. I remember at a career seminar I attended there was homework giving for each student to go out that day to a idea company they would like to work for and asked to speak with the hiring manager. We were instructed to tell them our purpose was not to ask for a job, but to interview them to see what type a candidate they are looking for to hire. At first I was scared, but after asking the questions I became more relaxed and the hiring manager seen that in me. A the end of the interview I was given constructive criticism that helped me. Like the father who dressed in his three-piece suit to met with a man to conduct business in person, sometimes you must face in person to impress the mind of others.
Angela,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting assignment! I love the idea of going out and interviewing employers to find out what qualifications they are looking for! This is an excellent opportunity to not only improve one's interviewing technique, but also to gain background knowledge about the company, develop a professional relationship and learn what potential employers are searching for in their employees. This would be a great assignment for my high school students. Especially the upper classmen who will find themselves in this arena in their near future, if they haven't already. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Angela,
ReplyDeleteI like the story you recounted about meeting with a hiring manager. The reference to Zander’s theory that sometimes business is best conducted in person (even formally) reminded me of a book our school was exposed to some years ago. The book is titled FISH and is based on the philosophy of a fish market in Seattle, I believe. The first principal in the book is BE THERE. It talks about really being present in relationships and personal interactions. It includes looking at peoples (students) faces when they are talking to us and being present in the moment of communication. I think Zander would echo that principal, as it supports conducting important business in person. This is a skill we need to practice and not loose site of.
I really liked your story. :-)
Thank you Carrie and Mary. I was really nervous to do that assignment, but after it was all over I thought it wasn't as bad as it seem.
ReplyDeleteAngela,
ReplyDeleteGetting out of your own way is always the hardest thing. We all have difficulty with public speaking in front of a group we know, so to go to a complete stranger and hold a conversation is difficult at times. I have a friend who has been interviewing for job positions. She was going to the interviews but not preparing herself with researching the schools and practicing questions. Over the weekend she was so frustrated. So, her husband and I asked her questions and tweaked her wardrobe. Now, those she hasn’t been offered a job from her last interview in which she felt more prepared she felt as if she really showed up. You have to put yourself in the game in order to even play.
What a wonderful idea to talk to the hiring manager about what their ideal candidate is. I believe this assignment not only helped you, but the hiring manager as well. It was an interesting way of enrolling a potential employer and one that I will use in the future with clients and other’s that I want to catch my flame.
ReplyDeleteIt is always a learning experience to be on the other side of the table or in an opposite role. I learned a long time ago while in the military from a Master Chief who would place many of the young sailors in situations or positions to lead or influence the unit or group. It made everyone be aware of the enormous charge bestowed on them, due to their rank, but allowed personnel to learn for when they achieved a leadership position.
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