“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
In the recruitment business, it is common for consultants to start sourcing candidates as soon as they receive the job brief. This proactive approach ensures that we can present strong profiles to clients quickly. However, it is also common for clients to change direction in the middle of the sourcing process, or worse, to go silent and leave us with nothing. Unfortunately, often we are unable to secure commitment fees, so we rely heavily on trust. This is a harsh reality we face in the industry.
I believe these challenges are not exclusive to recruitment consultants but also common experiences for many service professionals. The process of starting work immediately upon receiving a brief, only to face changes in direction or sudden client silence, is a typical scenario. In many service industries, professionals often cannot secure commitment fees from day 1 and must rely on trust, making these situations a harsh reality.
From my experience in recruitment and observing common challenges in the service industry, here are a few key takeaways that I believe every individual should strive to embody:
Respecting Effort: In the service industry, every small effort matters. Service providers put in significant work before meeting clients, hoping to make a positive impression and build relationships. This teaches us the importance of valuing others’ efforts in all interactions.
Punctuality and Time Respect: Service professionals prioritize being on time, respecting others’ schedules. Being punctual shows respect and professionalism, essential for earning trust and maintaining good relationships.
Providing Feedback No Matter The Result: Instead of ghosting or avoiding communication, individuals in the service industry learn the art of providing respectful feedback and handling rejections professionally. For instance : when there is a change in management direction and the service is no longer needed, it is essential to communicate this to the vendor. This helps manage the vendor’s expectations and shows appreciation for their efforts, even if no payment is expected.
Humility: No matter how brilliant or smart you consider yourself to be, working in a service provider role teaches humility. What you might perceive as the perfect solution may not always be applicable or relevant to resolve the client’s issue. It’s a lesson in remaining grounded and avoiding overconfidence, as listening to and understanding the client’s specific needs is paramount.
These principles—respecting effort, punctuality, humility, and giving feedback—are crucial in the service industry and can help anyone grow personally and professionally.
That is why I believe starting one’s career or gaining exposure in the service industry lays a solid foundation to create individuals with stronger character. It not only shapes individuals into more reliable and capable professionals but also prepares them to navigate challenges with empathy and integrity, fostering positive relationships and achieving success in their careers.
“Greatness is not formed by intelligence, greatness comes from character.” – Jensen Huang (NVIDIA Founder and CEO)