EMC once had a head of recruiting who described the talent/workplace match process like "dating." It is a two-way street, she said. The magic has to be there on both sides. It isn't always a match -- as much as one side might like it to be so.
Matchmaking: Workplace like Dating?
[Patriots QB Tom
Brady with Gisele Bundchen when
they got engaged. Source: hollywoodismyhood.com]
"Is EMC a Hard Place to Work?"
Someone asked me this question yesterday.
I had just finished speaking at a Boston University School of Management forum for business leaders working to tackle issues like innovation, globalization, and adoption of new tools and behaviors such as social networking in the workplace.
When I was done with the presentation, I could see "that look" on people's faces. The look said, "Wow. I had no idea EMC was so far along in this realm of a "21st Century networked organization." It also said, "I had no idea EMC was bringing in those type of results -- and that your people were so enabled to apply their ideas and passions to the job." (Net: "I had no idea EMC was so HOT!")
After the presentation, a woman in the audience from a very well known company said to me, with a bit of sudden confusion in her voice, "I had heard EMC is a hard place to work, especially for women. Is that true?"
It took me a second to think how best to answer this question. I found myself saying, "Yes. It is a hard place to work -- just like any perennial championship team would be a hard place to work. You're surrounded by people playing their best games, and as a result it raises your game, your expectations of the team, and your desire to be even better. There is no desire for a glide path. That environment is not for everyone, men or women," I said with a smile. "For some, it isn't a match. For others, there is nothing like it. I've been here about twenty years. The level of play continues to elevate. For people who love to make things happen, be surrounded by others who feel the same, and who together deliver win after win ... well, to us, this is fun."
Of course, that's my opinion, and my experience. [your mileage may vary.]
[Patriots QB Tom Brady while dating Gisele Bundchen. Source: obsessedwithsports.com]
----- Talk Back -------
Thoughts?
It strikes me that Zappos might have this type of culture as well, and match making philosphy -- the people seem to have passion and connection and love engaging with the market every day.
- Polly Pearson
http://www.pollypearson.com
@pollypearson on Twitter
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