Allen Associates Executive Search opened for business twenty years ago today. That means ... we've been playing the long game,  working daily to create a hive of positive energy, for some time. It's been a great journey which has enabled us to work with awesome clients and exceptional business leaders along the way. We know that we've been fortunate to work on projects that provide us with an ongoing source of inspiration. 

Our approach (a work in progress)  is to strike the perfect blend of new and old world.  However, certain fundamentals - like solid client care and intimacy will never change. To our clients and friends, thanks for your support, we're just warming up. 

As you can imagine I invest several hours a week in deep career discussions with accomplished executives. These discussions are with leaders that we've identified/courted and have become members of Aa's inner circle ... friends-of-the-firm.  

I've come to this simple conclusion; to be good, really good at something, you must find your passion and connect it to your vocation. Not big news, right? The perfect blend is to blur the line of work and play. Of course it's a journey interests will change and skills will refine over time. To quote Irish writer Oliver Goldsmith, " make your industry your amusement". 

Not sure if you're in the perfect gig? Here's my one sentence test; Blank (enter your company's name)  is in my DNA. 

My Popsicle Story

Like many I played little league baseball starting at the age of five. This was real baseball as T-Ball had yet to  arrive on the scene. It was a different time, five and six year olds playing fast pitch baseball, without helmets, under the watchful eye of someone's Dad. We loved playing and spent the weeks in early spring wondering about line ups , cap color and other critical issues. I also recall that some of the guys needed to wait until an older brother finished a game to have access to the family mitt. 

Before our first real game the coach shared that he didn't really like the opposing coach and offered to buy everyone a post game Popsicle , if of course we won. We played hard won the game and gleefully strutted to the village carry-out for the reward. Just a Popsicle but somehow very special.

The next game offered another opportunity to shine , we were ready for action, played hard but lost. After the game one of our players asked if we were going to go for Popsicles. Without hesitation, the coach simply asked; " Did we win"? We knew instantly that it was a dumb question. For me a life lesson in the making. Sometimes trying hard isn't enough to win. Reworking a model or plan that takes a product or service to the next level is always the answer. We're fortunate at Allen Associates to work with great business leaders that understand a loss (which never feels good) should lead the organization to push the creative and expand competitive boundaries. Maybe dare I question ... a loss shouldn't feel good? By contrast winning ... really winning, is fun.

Time will tell but the everybody-wins-a-trophy approach may not be the answer long term. And seriously, how could you possibly argue logic with this rag- tag band of future leaders ?