Feb 15, 2016
I have worked in a professional services capacity now for 16 years, and in this time I have had some great, good and average bosses. I count myself very lucky to have reported into some knowledgeable, passionate and inspiring characters along the way who have certainly helped me become the person, recruiter and leader I am today.
Below is a synopsis of those individuals that stand out for me with a brief explanation as to what I took out of my time working with them. They are in no particular order.
Richard Jones – Managing Director at Experis IT
Richard is somewhat miserable by nature (I think he would agree, and I think he probably play’s along with a little at being so dour) but in my opinion, he has the sharpest brain I have ever come across within the staffing sector. At the time, I was responsible for a team of 50 people across four different locations in the UK and was very much out of my comfort zone. Richard taught me how to lead people remotely, the processes to put in place and how to use data to manage people and delivery effectively.
A standout statement was “If they ask for a pay increase say no if they ask again, say no again but if they ask for the third time you should probably think about saying yes.”
Simon Mace – Owner & MD at Axon Associates
Simon is a larger than life personality who showed me the importance of planning. When I reported to Simon, I was 25 and leading a large team. He asked me what the plan was to which I responded “place as many candidates as possible”. He got under my skin a little at first as he pushed me out of my comfort zone but he showed me the importance of having a Vision, Mission, Goals, Strategies and Actions and he had a plan that we all bought into.
A top man and a real leader who gives off a lot of positivity.
Chris Eldridge – CEO at InterQuest Group
Chris interviewed me and offered me my first recruitment opportunity which I grabbed with two hands. I had a big man crush on him at the time as he was 26, leading a hugely successful business and he invested in me, giving me – the 22-year-old from a single parent council estate in Sunderland who was chasing a dream – a chance. The big stand out characteristics for me was his energy, passion and ability to hold a room or audience.
Without a doubt, he was born to lead.
Edwin Reijntjes – Owner Wallaceline. Non-Executive Director & Business Incubator services for Recruitment Start-ups & Scale-ups in Europe
I only worked with Edwin for a short period, but he left a big impression on me. As a Dutchman Edwin was different culturally to anybody else, I have ever worked with, but his style was one that I enjoyed and appreciated. Edwin left with me the importance of honesty, and how communicating positive and negative news to your colleagues should never be sugar coated but just straight up and honest. A very straight-talking leader who you always knew was present when he entered a room. Top guy!
Jill Ryder – Founder & Owner at Precision Sourcing
I was blessed first to meet Jill (she shares the same birthday as my Mum and the same values) when first starting out in my career in IT staffing. The stand out strength she has that I have always tried to take on board is her ability to listen, and I mean listen. Whether it be a client, candidate or her team I always felt that she had time and a genuine interest in listening to whoever she was engaging with.
A real true soul, a tough taskmaster and the only boss that has ever made me cry (I can’t believe I am putting this in writing).
Who are your stand out bosses over the years and why?
