Moving forward, I get to be fined (we’ll start with $10 per offense) every time I use “war” and “talent” in the same sentence. At least in the short-term someone could be rich. Or at least by a latte or 1/5 tank of gas.

Howard Adamsky question the uses of “war on talent”. No need to paraphrase, its a great read.

However, I will take it a step further. Such a staffing cliche is used not as short hand to explain a complex equation or ecosystem. That would be understandable and advisable. No, the circumstances I hear it used is usually with the following tone or sentiments:

• I work sooo hard at my job/craft. I won’t come out and say it, but please do pat me on the back and let out a low, whistle of being impressed. It’s a war out there!
• I’m not getting my job done, making the grade. It must be due to the lack of tools/training/staff etc. Can you help? I need more ammo!

Dude, you are harshing my mellow! Maybe. Look: a ) I know management is always being asked for things and b) You and I always look for validation from our peers. Noted – but let’s lift the curtain just a little and give some non-anecdotal data: a) It’ll check the facts enough so that maybe you’ll have come up with some options yourself b) Equip your peers to give you better suggestions and c) Management might stop rolling their eyes at your next 1:1.

About 6 years ago I visited my sister in Texas. She “volunteered” me to go with her neighbor to go to a 5am boot camp the next day. Apparently I had told regaled her with one too many stories of my alpine backing trips (boy were they tough!). Let’s just say I didn’t make it to 5:15am that next morning in the public park. Realizing my limitations I went into self-preservation – it was tough, but then I received insults by the ex-army drill sergeant add to my injured pride. “War” I had no concept of it, let alone what it took to be ready to be in a war. The sergeant did (thank goodness).

No more snivelling. No more blaming. No more you-working-hard too?-conversations. Instead:

• Get the facts, ask for the facts
• Bring ideas and ask for more ideas
• Give insight (this means you’re assuming they want to solve/address the challenge, not wallow in it) and freely

Toughen up, you’ll learn more and enjoy recruiting more whether there is “war” or not. 8~)

Note: Adam, we’ve want that other b&w pic back up. I’m starting the petition…