Elon Musk is widely known for caring more about what someone brings to the table than what pedigree they possess, what papers they have from what prestigious organizations. I could have used this type of thinking some years back.

Before you gather the village, light the torches and prepare the oil, yes, I realize there are times when having it matters. For example, I want to know my doctor went to medical school. But let’s face it, there are many times when it’s simply antiquated “the way we have always done it” thinking.

I was once offered a job...OFFERED, MIND YOU…to do PR for a company. I knew all the movers and shakers in the Tristate, had relationships with everyone, particularly the media which was the crux of this job. But what I lacked was the degree they wanted. So this is how the offer slid in sideways: They wanted me to take the job but under the condition that I go back to college for another 2 years to get the degree required for the job. (Insert puzzled look)

My reply: “Let me get this straight. You think I can do the job, you are offering me the job, but you want me to expend my time and money to go back to school to get a piece of paper to prove to you I can do the job that you won’t get until 2 years after I have been doing the job?”

Yeah, wrap your brain around this logic. Clearly, I didn’t take the job. I explained to them, they could simply change the criteria if they felt I was the candidate but apparently that was too much for them to do with a meeting and a keystroke and obviously I should be WILLING to do this for them.

Examine your hiring practices. Are you doing something this insane? If so, just stop it.

About the Author Lewis Chaney

A TEDx Alumnus with over 25 years in TV broadcasting, advertising, and filmmaking, Lewis D. Chaney has mastered the art of getting to the damn point.

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Most companies are wasting an enormous amount of TIME & MONEY on employees with poor communication skills.

Get To The Damn Point teaches your employees how to SAY LESS and BE HEARD MORE - meaning higher meeting ROI, empowered employees, and stronger salespeople.

Lewis D Chaney of GET TO THE DAMN POINT speaks at TEDx Evansville
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