9 Questions to Find Out How Bad You Want to be Good

The local radio station airs a commercial for a weight loss program whose slogan is, “How bad do you want to look good?”

Since I’m not particularly concerned about weight loss, I have no idea whether or not this product can produce the results that are advertised.  However, their slogan does present an interesting question about personal motivation; a question that I have asked recruiters, consultants, managers, and staff throughout our industry:

“How bad do you want to be good?”

How bad do you want to be good in this business?  Bad enough to do those things that are necessary to achieve consistent, long-term success?  Bad enough to do those things that will allow you to build a valuable and rewarding career?  The answers to these questions will be determined by your level of motivation.  In other words, how bad do you want it?

“Want power” leads to willpower, and willpower is the foundation for success.

In my role as a trainer and consultant to our industry, I have witnessed this principle at work hundreds of times.  Those practitioners who want to be successful bad enough develop the necessary willpower to achieve it.  In no area does this become more apparent than in the area of individual and personal development.

Successful recruiters, consultants, and managers do not stop at learning and applying the basics.  Rather, they are always developing their skills to higher levels of effectiveness.

They realize that by continually building their skills, they will be continually building their competence.  This is important because competence leads to confidence, and confidence is a critical element of attitude.  Having the right attitude is vitally important to achieving success.

How bad do you want to be good in this business?

1. Bad enough to set aside a minimum of one hour, three days per week (outside of normal business hours) to build your skills through reading, tape review, role playing, or discussion on subjects directly related to the operation of your business?
2. Bad enough to join and actively participate in at least two associations or business groups that are directly related to your specialty or service sector?
3. Bad enough to seek out and develop a mentoring relationship with business professionals who have earned your respect?
4. Bad enough to seek out and develop personal, mutually beneficial relationships with successful professionals within your area of specialization?
5. Bad enough to continually focus your effort and activity on achieving results rather than engaging in pleasing processes?
6. Bad enough to “just say no” to job orders, candidates, and recruits that do not match your “criteria for doing business”?
7. Bad enough to accept the fact that you’re in an intrusive business where nothing of real value is created unless you create it?
8. Bad enough to be personally accountable for your actions and outcomes, whatever they may be?
9. Bad enough to accept how extraordinary you can really be and then to incorporate this awareness into your attitude and personality?

Professionals who have enjoyed the marvelous benefits of a long, successful, fulfilling, and rewarding career in our industry would answer a resounding “YES!” to most of these questions.  How about you?

How bad do YOU want to be good in this business?

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Terry Petra is one of the recruiting industry’s leading trainers and business consultants.  A Certified Personnel Consultant since 1975 and a Certified International Personnel Consultant since 1989, Petra has extensive experience as a producer, manager, and trainer in all areas of professional search, including retainer, contingency, and contract, as well as clerical/office support and temporary.  For more information about his services, visit his website or call 651.738.8561.