- February 16, 2018 -

I'm driving to Philly as Cheryl types this post for me.

My dad is suffering from congestive heart failure, and I'd like to get there one last time before he passes.

He's had a good, long life and it is what it is...but if you've lost a parent, you understand the feeling of helplessness.

It also puts into perspective how important it is to treat our family, employees, and colleagues with respect and kindness.

You don't get do-overs when you treat people badly.

Here's a perfect example of what I mean...

Wanna sniff out a bad business partner before they self-destruct and take you down in flames?

Same goes for a key employee you're considering hiring.

Or a client with considerable clout who wants to work with you.

Pay attention to how they treat the 'little people’ – those in low positions of power.

+ How do they treat the wait staff at a restaurant when their steak comes out slightly over or under?

+ How about the guy at the hotel desk or airline counter when the reservation gets screwed up?

+ Do they throw a hissy fit?

Because they’ll no doubt treat YOU and your staff/team the same way, I promise.

Give them the jerk test...

Before you enter into any long-term partnership, make sure you’ve had a chance to watch how they react when something goes wrong.

When I hired my acquisitions manager (the most key position in our properties business) it was agreed that the first three months would be a trial period.

I needed to see how he'd react when sh*t happens...because it will.

How would he react when...

+ Wires got crossed.

+ Someone showed up an hour early or late.

+ Dress code was violated.

+ The wrong brand of coffee is brought in for the office.

Do they start verbally abusing the staff?

Or do they handle the mess-up's with authority AND respect?

Some of my friends deliberately throw wrenches into the works...just to see how the prospective employee, partner, client, consultant or investor will behave.

Not sure how I feel about that...feels too manipulative for me.

Hiring isn't all about credentials.

Anyone can look good on paper.

Anyone can make a good first impression in an interview.

But the laboratory of reality never lies.

No call-to-action today...I know I preach "Always be selling!" but not today.

Gotta see my dad.
 
Have a terrific weekend - will catch up with you on Monday.

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