People excel when doing the jobs they like, just like playing. When you seek a job, seek a company and duties you would like to ‘play’ at. When seeking a new team member, choose somebody you would like to play with, or at least enjoy conversation over a drink (no need to be alcohol).

Why? Because playing and working have a lot in common. You have a common goal, you trust your team-mates, you enjoy each other ‘s company, you enjoy the results of your work together, you agree on playing rules, ‘positions’, hierarchy, who the competition is, desire to beat them, etc.

That is why it is important for a Professional Recruiter to know more than the mere Job Description, he/she needs to know the culture of a Company, their ‘rhythm’, how aggressive they are in the pursuit of their goals, how open or closed they are to feedback from the bottom, etc. etc.

Good employers know that, so they value and respect recruiters that ask the right questions, are aware that the question is as important as the answer.

Choose your team-mates carefully, bring people whose contribution is valuable to the Team, whose presence is exciting because people recognize their uniqueness, fervor towards the Team goals and who are ‘players’ that will advance your Team to the next level.

If you are the Candidate, join a Team you can identify with in terms of goals, style, overall environment and priorities. A Team that values you will make it so much more enjoyable to work with, promotions will come easier and your minutes there will not feel like hours.