The Carrot & Stick Podcast #29: Greg Savage, The No-BS Guide to Recruitment Leadership

Want the inside scoop on building a recruitment powerhouse? Then you need to hear this! I sat down with the legendary Greg Savage on the Carrot & Stick podcast, and he dropped some serious knowledge bombs. We're talking leadership, coaching, and building a team that crushes it.

Hit that play button and get ready to take some notes!

Key Takeaways:

• Recruitment KPIs: Your Secret Weapon (Not the Enemy!) Greg sets the record straight on recruitment KPIs. They're not the enemy – they're essential for knowing where you stand and where you're headed. Don't just focus on vanity metrics; dig deep into the recruitment metrics that truly drive success. Want to know which recruitment KPIs actually matter? Tune in to find out.
• Coaching Trumps Training (Every Single Time): Forget those generic training sessions. Greg's a big believer in coaching in the moment, when people are most receptive to learning. He calls it "despair or ecstasy" – and I couldn't agree more! Curious about how to coach your team effectively? Greg's got you covered.
• Empathy + Accountability = The Leadership Sweet Spot: Greg's leadership philosophy is a powerful blend of empathy and accountability. It's about understanding your team's challenges while still holding them responsible for hitting those targets. Greg shares how to strike the perfect balance.
• Promote the Right People (Hint: It's Not Always the Top Biller): Don't just promote your top billers! Greg highlights the importance of identifying leaders who are passionate about helping others succeed. Hear his insights on what makes a true leader in the recruitment industry.
• Embrace Change (Or Get Left Behind): Greg encourages everyone to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new technologies and approaches. "If there's something you're uncomfortable with," he says, "that's the thing you should tackle and learn." Listen to the full episode for more on navigating change in the recruitment industry.

Actionable Insights:

• Reverse Engineer Your Way to Success: Start with your goals and work backward to figure out the key activities that'll get you there.
• Empower Your Team (Don't Be a Dictator): Don't just dictate KPIs. Work with your team to set goals they understand and are motivated to achieve.
• Coach in the Moment (That's When it Sticks!): Give feedback and guidance when it matters most – when they're celebrating a win or facing a setback.
• Build Relationships (Even When You're Busy Closing Deals): Don't neglect your clients, even when times are good. Nurturing those relationships is key for long-term success.

The Bottom Line:

Greg Savage's insights are a game-changer for any recruitment leader. He reminds us that it's not just about hitting targets, but about building a team that's motivated, engaged, and ready to tackle whatever the industry throws their way.

Ready to hear more?

Tune in to the full episode of Carrot & Stick!

P.S. For even more recruitment insights, check out Greg's book "The Savage Truth"  and follow him on LinkedIn.