Comments on: Build a Tribe

By: SmartBrief on Workforce

SmartBrief on Workforce — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 23:22:15 +0000

Using the best lure for top talent…

The best way to lure top talent isn’t with big bucks but a work environment that’s a better fit for them, Allison Boyce writes. Consider using your company’s “tribe” as a selling point, she suggests, and use your corporate culture to attract candi…

By: Allison Boyce

Allison Boyce — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:31:18 +0000

Thank you all for the comments – I am very excited to learn about Seth Godin’s work – I had no idea that he had used that term. I learned about another thought leader’s work with the word tribe, Leon Richards (Global in UK) – It reminded me of the Hundredth Monkey Effect..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundredth-monkey_effect
And by the way, people will leave a company over Folgers. We actually have a more compelling value prop than hacky sack and Peets, but I am the person – “Don’t Hang Up, Just Listen…it starts with Peets…”

By: Robert Dromgoole

Robert Dromgoole — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:40:22 +0000

I think this is a good article, but I’m wondering if this fits the exact definition of ‘disparate impact’? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_impact Seems that like would be hiring like … HOWEVER, if the like is centric around a mission, that makes sense to me. Being centric on a mission allows for a diversity of thought and backgrounds. There should be room for non-coffee drinkers and people who like Folgers. By hiring people from the same college or who hang out at the same places seems to me to be limiting … am I wrong here?

By: Brian Kevin Johnston

Brian Kevin Johnston — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:02:07 +0000

Thanks Courtney… I wonder if Seth Godin realizes how powerful his work is? I read his blog daily at http://sethgodin.typepad.com/ Another term being used is called “Trust Agents” which was coined/book by http://www.chrisbrogan.com/ which essentially is creating “tribes” via socia media…

The Future is Bright!
Best,
Brian-
http://www.johnstonsearch.com/about.php

By: Courtney Dickson

Courtney Dickson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:43:27 +0000

Brian is right – I like the article but term “tribe” to describe company culture and the drivers behind how people identify themselves and why people act …aka move jobs, was first coined by Seth Godin. In fact, he has a whole book on it – published in Oct. 08.

http://sethgodin.com/sg/books.asp

By: Keith Halperin

Keith Halperin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:30:18 +0000

Thank you, Allison. In times of 17.5% un/underemployment, the vast majority of folks are easy to find. If you’ve got someone out looking for work, or in an unstable or MAJORLY dysfunctional company, you don’t need to offer much to get them to come running. On the other hand, if they ARE in a fairly stable, not-too-dysfunctional place, you’ll probably need a lot more than It’s Its and Peet’s Coffee. Why do I hear that hiring managers are unable to find the “A-players” with the right skills when they aren’t prepared to offer a three year employment contract with a one year severance package for “the best of the best” that they cry for? It’s because the want “the best of the best” on the cheap. If that’s what they’re looking for, maybe they SHOULD pay 35% to a world-class closer who can close an A-player in a good situation on a low-ball offer.

Cheers,

Keith keithsrj@sbcglobal.net

By: William Ward

William Ward — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:53:58 +0000

I like this article for the following reason. It gives you a great example of the thought that goes into an effective sourcing campaign. It also shows why it’s important to know your target audience and tailor your message accordingly.

However, too many companies fall into the trap of not putting every potential hire thought the same level of guidance because of an existing relationship or association. As long as the out of the box sourcing effort is combined with a rigorous and relevant selection process, you will see results.

By: Leif Wennerstrom

Leif Wennerstrom — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:21:29 +0000

Allison- great article- I recruit sales professionals at NetApp, the #1 place to work in America in 2009 (according to Fortune Magazine. Some of the people we hire earned more selling last year and the year before than they will this year when they come here- and they are employed. Simple question- would you take 10% less in total cash to really love what you do and be energized each day, knowing that you are really impacting people’s lives? Could you live without the new car this year in order to coach your kid’s soccer team?

By: Louis Williams

Louis Williams — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:13:05 +0000

Nice Article. Selling Culture/Work Environment/Tribal fit sounds interesting, but if your staff is chasing coffee and perks are they really passionate about the goals and objectives of your organization. Or is that too old school? Eventually, companies either get Folgers, or fade out of business. But I do like the what you are trying to say and your approach.

By: Brian Kevin Johnston

Brian Kevin Johnston — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:34:11 +0000

Allison- Thanks for the great article.. I am interested what the inspiration behind the word “tribe” was in this powerful article?

I like http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/

Best regards,
Brian-