Monday, July 10, 2006
Old MacDougal's Had a Job
This is the tale of four Chief Information Officers... George, Glenn, Kevin and Ann, and their journeys to become the new CIO of MacDougal's Corporation, a major Mexican food chain. The other major player in this drama is Michael's, the trendiest steakhouse in town and scene of celebrations for special occasions such as engagements, promotions and job offers.
MacDougal's interviewed candidates for 90 days, hoping to find its new technology leader. George was elated when the Mr. Black, the decision maker, expounded on his compatibility with MacDougal's long term strategic plans. He and Ruth toasted his impending job offer at Michael's that evening. Glenn, then employed by a MacDougal's direct competitor, had no doubt he was the "shoe-in" considering Mr. Black's intrigue at his very presence. That night following the interview, Glenn and Wanda had surf and turf at Michael's. Oh what a night! Kevin's story is far less glamorous. He was merely told that he was exactly what the company was looking for and proceeded to make reservations at... well... you-know-where.
Trying to ignore the "they loved me" tendencies of human nature, Ann opted for a biggie burrito after her interview while she prepared her proposal detailing projects that would take MacDougal's technology to the next level. Mr. Black was impressed with her savvy insight and extra effort... and she received the offer.
The lesson? Flattery from an employer, while warm and fuzzy, means very little especially in this litigious society. Employers are bound to say nice things. It's polite and it keeps candidates, hungry for validation, on the string. Please note that a job offer has three components... a position description, a compensation proposal and a starting date. Anything less won't buy dinner.
Remember Michael's will be there waiting to take your money with its over-priced and under-cooked steaks. Stick with MacDougal's till you know for sure!
MacDougal's interviewed candidates for 90 days, hoping to find its new technology leader. George was elated when the Mr. Black, the decision maker, expounded on his compatibility with MacDougal's long term strategic plans. He and Ruth toasted his impending job offer at Michael's that evening. Glenn, then employed by a MacDougal's direct competitor, had no doubt he was the "shoe-in" considering Mr. Black's intrigue at his very presence. That night following the interview, Glenn and Wanda had surf and turf at Michael's. Oh what a night! Kevin's story is far less glamorous. He was merely told that he was exactly what the company was looking for and proceeded to make reservations at... well... you-know-where.
Trying to ignore the "they loved me" tendencies of human nature, Ann opted for a biggie burrito after her interview while she prepared her proposal detailing projects that would take MacDougal's technology to the next level. Mr. Black was impressed with her savvy insight and extra effort... and she received the offer.
The lesson? Flattery from an employer, while warm and fuzzy, means very little especially in this litigious society. Employers are bound to say nice things. It's polite and it keeps candidates, hungry for validation, on the string. Please note that a job offer has three components... a position description, a compensation proposal and a starting date. Anything less won't buy dinner.
Remember Michael's will be there waiting to take your money with its over-priced and under-cooked steaks. Stick with MacDougal's till you know for sure!
