Water Cooler Conversations

Written by Pat Perry
President, ERC 

As we trudge through the rhetoric, name calling and media hype of the Presidential campaign, it occurred to me that most of us who plan to vote have very little criteria upon which to make our decision.  As with prior elections, the candidates are hopeful that we vote for them based upon factors that have very little to do with actually performing the President’s job.  The selection process for most elected offices, including the President of the
United States, is quite unlike anything used in the private sector.  We (the private sector) utilize job descriptions, rigorous interviews, psychological assessments and background investigations as tools to improve the odds of selecting the best candidate.  

Going one step further, can you imagine the results we would achieve with the U.S. President’s position if an executive search firm was retained to identify and help select qualified candidates for the position?  Incidentally, based upon the President’s annual compensation of $400,000 the search fee would be a paltry $132,000 compared to the hundred of millions spent on the modern day two party campaigns.  Imagine if you had the responsibility of recruiting for the position on the open job market!

Well, we did…and to help you better imagine the challenge it would be to recruit for the next U.S. President (based on what we know of the qualifications necessary to get elected) we thought it would be fun to present you with the following draft “job description” for the position.

As someone once said…if it wasn’t true it would actually be funny. 

Written by Pat Perry
President, ERC 

“Pat; really enjoy your time with her now, because in a blink of an eye she will be leaving “the nest”.  Truer words have never been spoken.  That statement came from my good friend Steve Vitale at my daughter’s 3^rd or 4^th birthday party.  I remember thinking that he was probably right, but at the time today seemed eons away.

My daughter has not left the nest yet, but over the past few weeks we have participated in a college fair, she is making a campus visit this week and I have been in the passenger seat while she practices driving.  She is expected to get her license later this summer and like her friends, very excited about the prospect of being free from having mom and dad drive her around.  Today has certainly arrived way too soon.  And, Steve was right - it all happened so fast - in a blink of an eye.

The college prep is actually pretty exciting.  The driving practice on the other hand is a bit unnerving.  For the first time in her life, I am sitting in the passenger seat with no control of the pedals and steering wheel.  She is all excited when we drive and I am excited when we are done with the practice.  It is a great experience for both of us and one that I will treasure forever.

Later this week I will complete 10 years at ERC.  The past decade passed in a blink of an eye.  A great deal has happened in ten years here at ERC and outside our business.  We changed and so did the world.  We have more than tripled in size, offer great services and programs and boast a staff that is second to none.  My role at ERC has been like raising (along with my better half) my daughter - being part-time participant, director and observer.

Actually, there are many similarities between child-rearing and work at ERC.  I have been fortunate to have loved both.  Perhaps, that is why time has gone by so fast.

Marty Mordarski, ERC’s Director of Research and Membership was blessed last week with the birth of his first child.  I am happy to report that his new arrival and spouse are doing well.

Marty…I share my dear friend Steve’s advice with you - really enjoy your time with your son now, because in a blink of an eye he will be leaving your “nest”.    

My advice - don’t blink too fast.