Common Culture problems in Staffing - And How to Fix Them!

If you've been in staffing more than a couple of months, you've probably seen one of the most common issues that most agencies face: conflict between recruiting teams and sales teams. Here's what I've heard in the past:

Recruiting teams thoughts on sales team:

-They are always out of the office, probably not even working.

-They aren't even trying to get me feedback on my submitted candidates.

-They don't have the same level of accountability we have.

-They have the easier job, just schmoozing people all day.

Sales teams thoughts on the recruiting team:

-They are too busy chit-chatting with each other rather than finding my client candidates.

-They don't seem to understand my clients or their needs.

-They don't feel the same pressure we do.

-They have the easier job since they don't hear "no" all day like we do.

Bottom line: these statements all come from a culture that lacks transparency and accountability to one another. Here are some tips on how to improve things (although a lot more work needs to be done to solve and keep this issue at bay down the road):

1. Both teams should have metrics designed to making the other's lives a bit easier. (Message me for examples)

2. Leaders can't allow their team to use those "they" statements talking about the other group. If there is a problem, use specifics, not broad statements.

3. Hold regular meetings as a full team so both groups can hear how much work gets put into success from the other group.

4. Let team members shadow the other departments. Let them see what the other teams actually do every day and feel the "pain".