Hire the Person

Last night I went to my book club meeting at Cardinal Point Winery. We had a fabulous time discussing our latest selection, (when we got around to it) Laughter in the Dark. But before that, we caught up on each others’ lives.

One of the book clubbers recently interviewed for a job she knew she could get. It was perfectly suited to her talent and experience. She applied, and was brought in for an interview. Once they offered her the position, she said, “This is great, but I really don’t want to move and I am not ready to work full time.”

Wow.

So smart company that they are, they hired her anyway because she’s the perfect person to do the job. So what that she lives in another city? Who cares if she can do the job just as well in 30 instead of 40 hours?

Earlier the same day, a client shared the story of her team member who, after having her third child, was really struggling with full time work. Rather than looking for a new, part time job or just giving up to stay home, the team member asked her company to be flexible and to consider reducing her time by 60 percent. My client said the results have been fantastic. This valued team member stayed with the company and is more loyal than ever; she’s happier and more productive. The “extra” work has been distributed among colleagues who now have the opportunity to grow in their knowledge and capabilities.

Two fantastic stories about employers who hired or kept the person regardless of geography or time. Friends tease me about how I’m in love with my job, but this is why. It’s good to be valued for your brain, for whatever time you can give it, over whatever distance is required.