Hello there, agency CEO, agency CFO, chief talent officer and/or agency recruiter. I read about this great hire another agency made and thought about how it could inspire smart human resource moves at your agency. It can help turn a staffer’s visit with HR into a good thing and not a bad one.
Here’s the AgencySpy story. It details how GYK Antler has hired a new Director of Talent and Development. They had me on the title alone. But here’s one of the things that’s different: they hired a professional with executive coaching bona fides.
Hiring someone with proven coaching chops tells existing staff and prospective hires that this agency invests in its people. It also helps differentiate the agency. After all, how many shops have formalized, meaty development and training programs?
Bringing executive coaching to your agency is a smart idea that will absolutely make recruiting and retaining great talent easier. It can provide measurable agency impact like lower recruiting costs; higher retention; happier clients; and greater revenues.
But what does this mean for your agency? Some thoughts…
Steal it
Well, this is one way to go. There has been a trend for agencies to invest in building agency culture and development, which ties in very nicely to what GYK Antler is doing with this hire. But you can do better.
Make it your own
GYK Antler isn’t the only agency to invest in agency culture & talent development. You have an opportunity to add your agency’s own unique spin to a very real business problem of getting great people (and then keeping them happy so they don’t leave your agency).
Build a team of interested folks inside your agency. Give them a brief and a budget. Find inspiration through looking at your agency’s vision, mission and values.
You can also find thought-starters in a best practice search for culture and talent development across other professional services.
Rent it
So, your agency can’t scrape together six figures to invest in this kind of resource. Or maybe your holding company overlords don’t see how this program can positively impact agency ROI. I hear ya.
There are plenty of online talent development programs out there. And with regard to coaching, look to a cadre of executive coaches out there with agency experience. Some recruiters also offer ad hoc executive coaching.
Many recruiters and exec coaches are small business owners, looking for ways to compete, differentiate and thrive. Perhaps this could be a win-win-win for agency, agency staffer and expert third party coach.
Re-brand it
Let’s play devil’s advocate for a minute. Is there an opportunity to redefine “executive coaching?” Some people may think coaching only happens when there’s a problem. Which isn’t necessarily the case. I, for one, have been coaching one agency president for about five years and it’s been a fantastic experience for both parties.
Anywho, hope this gets you thinking about some smart ways HR practices can make your agency different and better. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss it or any other ideas to make recuiting and retention easier, drop me a line. Thanks!
photo credit: Arnoooo tip 034 via photopin (license)
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