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Judith Cushman & Associates Retained Executive Search in Communications Judy Cushman's Blog |
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Feedback September 8, 2009 [Anonymous Contributor] More feedback regarding the September/October Cushman Report. “As a bit of feedback…I was struck by how dead on your "Dark Side of Success" comments are. I can't count the number of times I've tried to help colleagues identify candidates for positions they were looking to fill, or made a phone call to a colleague on behalf of someone who was pursuing an opportunity, or be involved in a search as a candidate…and find myself amazed that the organization didn't know what it was really looking for, much less be able to define success. It's like throwing rocks at Jell-O. Nothing comes back. And the process truly does become the blind leading the blind. It's a wonder that there aren't more mismatches than there are (or that we find out about).” [JUDY] “One of the reasons why the newly hired are not “fired” or eased out or in other subtle ways told to move on, is that since there are no good standards for measuring success, there are no good standards for measuring failure. If you don’t know what you are supposed to set as benchmarks for success, how do you judge if your VP is not doing the job (that has been poorly defined.) Interestingly, if a really top notch performer fits the culture and has his/hew own sense of direction, the leadership generally “gets” how effective the VP is. It is where less than stellar performance—but not downright incompetence—occurs that the leadership team frequently accepts that performance level as good or better. This leads to the question, how does a VP Communications rise to that level given the lack of performance standards or benchmarks? There is much more to be written on the topic.” “I think you're correct. Cultural fit is a requirement for success. But the door can swing both ways...multiplying competency or masking average performance.” September 1, 2009 [Anonymous Contributor] Feedback regarding the September/October Cushman Report. “Thank you so much for your newsletter! I had to write back and let you know that the article on THE NEW ECONOMIC REALITY ABOUT CAREER DECISIONS is an extraordinary case study and very valuable putting career life today in perspective. I find myself in somewhat similar circumstances in that a broadened my skill sets my consulting then went back to corporate thinking I would make my way back to a senior agency position. While I have had a few interviews, I realize they cannot offer me the financial support I need to get back on my feet. hank you again for a very insightful newsletter.” “Judy: As always, an excellent Cushman Report.” “This was interesting reading.” “While the Cushman Report always provides great insights on job markets and career management, this issue hits it out of the park. The lead piece on "what's under the tent" is a cautionary tale that should be required reading for all mid- to senior-level pros. And, your analysis of "Mary's" career choices is a painfully valuable lesson about the virtues of 360-degree decision making.” “I read with interest your latest report about the potential pitfalls of job search. I am familiar with research that talks about the changing (changed) role of marketing in the firm... how marketing has been shoved down in the hierarchy to the line of business level, making the development of any coherent brand or corporate communications strategy virtually impossible. I'm also aware that business in general is going through tremendous transition as a result of sustainability. Organizational missions and images are going through significant change -- some members of the management team are ready to shift, others are not. It sounds to me as if what some of these organizations need is a transitional role to help clarify issues that may be impacting their marketing and communications performance, and leading a change process… Thank you for your insights.” “Thanks for the newsletter. That was indeed a pertinent example of the darkside of success. I wish that person well.” “Thanks Judy. I always enjoy your updates immensely. Hope all is going great for you and your team!” “What a great and thoughtful report and letter you sent out. As always, you touch on some of the decisions people don't think about as they go about career changes. Thank you for sharing the story about the new economic realities and congratulations for "going global." Well done and well-deserved.” June 23, 2008 [Anonymous Contributors] Additional feedback regarding the May/June Cushman Report. “I enjoyed the newsletter (as always). I particularly found the comment from the senior IR pro regarding the impact from hedge funds.” “I just wanted to say I think this is about the best discussion of C-level resume presentations that I have read. I work in the consumer products industry and have hired quite a few executives. As I read your article I can recall specific examples of how resumes were presented in both a very effective and sometimes not so effective manner. Thanks for a great article that was very thought provoking.” May 22, 2008 [Anonymous Contributors] Here’s what subscribers told us within 24 hours of the release of the newsletter. Some of our other readers weren’t quite as enthusiastic… more postings to come. “I just wanted to give you some feedback on how wonderful your report is! I find it well-written, informative and timely. The ironic part is that I'm currently based in India and have yet to work with your company so very little applies. Still, I find that I always learn something and enjoy the time spent with your report.” “Just want to let you know this is always one of the more interesting newsletters among those I get from your competitors.” “I appreciate you including me on your distribution. I find your analysis of recent and long-term trends to be quite insightful. Thank you. Look forward to staying in touch.” “I find your newsletter to be so informative and helpful. Thanks for sending this out!” March 25, 2008 [Anonymous Contributor] Regarding the recent Cushman Report March/April 2008, comments on the articles The C-Level or Aspiring to C-Level Resume: A Challenge of a Higher Order and The Ah-Ha About Resumes: “Particularly timely, as I’m revising my resume.” November 5, 2007 [Anonymous Contributor] I was recently contacted by a recruiter for a position that intrigues me, so I had to put the resume together for the first time in a long, long time. Your Web site had very helpful advice for an old hand like me! Thanks much for having an accessible and valuable resource. October 21, 2007 [Anonymous Contributor] As you may know, I point my applicants to your "Resume Aha!" essay as part of our own application process. One candidate we interviewed today went out of her way to tell me that she read your essay and took it to heart, tossing out her old resume and starting over with your advice. I thought you would like to know! Throw a pebble in the pond and see the ripples! |
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Judith Cushman & Associates 15600 NE 8th St., Suite B1, PMB 178, Bellevue, WA 98008 s (425) 392-8660 Fax (425) 644-9043 jcushman@jc-a.com s www.jc-a.com The Judith Cushman & Associates web team would appreciate feedback concerning this site. Please e-mail your comments, questions and suggestions to heathers@jc-a.com. |
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