Detroit

December 2023

Welcome Back!

Seasons Greetings! In this last month of the year, before we ring in the new year, we celebrate numerous holidays including Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve. Although each holiday is different from the others, they all share something important: each holiday is replete with stories. Not only the stories of the origin of the holidays themselves, but stories that we can read about in books, of those who've celebrated those holidays through the years. Then there are the stories that are not published and available in libraries, bookstores, or online, but rather those stories that are present in our minds and hearts. Stories that were passed down to us from our parents or grandparents....the same stories that we will pass down to those who come behind us as well. It is within the collection of these stories that we find another commonality among the different holidays: they all convey meaning and purpose to those who celebrate them. This can't be any more clearly seen than when you gather with friends or co-workers and exchange stories about what you're doing for the holidays.

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The following are some of the traditions and memories that make up the holiday stories of the Transearch Detroit staff:

"Every year when we decorate the Christmas tree we listen to the same Elvis Christmas record on the turntable."

"In our family, holiday traditions involve specific dishes designated for particular days. For Thanksgiving, wild rice has always been a staple. While it seemed very normal to me, the surprise reactions from my coworker and girlfriend, both curious about this dish when I shared leftovers, made me realize its uniqueness in comparison to other traditions. Another cherished tradition is our Christmas Eve feast featuring Tourtière, a delectable French Canadian meat pie dish. Traditionally crafted with minced pork, veal, or beef combined with potatoes, it is a traditional part of the Christmas Réveillon and New Year’s Eve meal in Quebec."

"My grandma and I had a special tradition of baking Christmas cookies together when I was a child. We'd put them in tin boxes and share them with family and friends before Christmas. Now that she's gone, my mom and I continue this tradition in her memory. It's our way of keeping the spirit of Christmas alive while honoring my grandma's legacy."

"My memory or tradition that I've carried with me throughout my life into adulthood is of the Christmas season as a whole. I never really got to know my grandfather as he passed away when I was very young, but my father has told me many things about him, especially during the holiday season. My father has a very special connection to the holidays because of this and anytime I hear Christmas music it reminds me of all of the great things I have heard about my grandfather, or Dedo as we called him."

"Growing up my mom made sure that our Christmas stocking ALWAYS had an orange in it and at Easter, the Bunny always had a toothbrush subtly included among all our chocolate."

"My mother was Irish Catholic from Detroit and my father was French Canadian. As long as I can remember and going back way before my time, my family has always eaten Tourtière on Christmas Eve. I have 6 siblings and I believe we have all carried on this tradition to this day with our families. Tourtière is a traditional French Canadian meat pie dish that my mother learned how to cook early on in her marriage to my father. When I was a child, we would all go to midnight mass and then have the Tourtière when we got home. Later it was more practical to go to 7PM mass. It is a delicious and unique dish that we only have on Christmas Eve and never on any other day of the year. It’s a very special tradition and something we all look forward to throughout the year."

"My family had some Christmas albums (33's) that as a child, I would listen to on a portable record player. I became a musician in my childhood as well, and amassed a nice collection of Christmas CDs throughout the years. Between listening to those every December and performing in choirs and music ensembles, I have always loved the Christmas season music."

"On Christmas Eve (Stedrý Večer), we didn't eat meat. Before dinner, we washed our hands with a silver dollar, to symbolize prosperity in the new year. On the dinner table a candle was lit by my mother. She would then bless our foreheads with honey as protection against evil in the coming year, and my father would say a prayer over the meal. We shared Oblátky wafers (unleavened wafers embossed with a Nativity scene) that we drizzled with honey. Our meal consisted of traditional Slovak Christmas Eve foods such as mushroom soup, fish, potatoes, homemade koláčky, and poppy seed and nut rolls. To close the meal, we took turns blowing out the candle. If the smoke went straight up, that meant that you would be healthy and live to see the next Christmas. We attended midnight mass together and exchanged gifts when we returned home from church, around 2am."

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We hope you enjoyed our stories. These memories and traditions make up who we are as individuals, and we are proud to share our stories with those we meet along life's road, to help us learn about similarities and differences and to build bridges. And just as important as it is for an individual to share their story when getting to know others, it is equally as important for businesses to adopt and learn the power of storytelling. For it is in this ability to know your company's story and be able to articulate it well that you are able to display the purpose and meaning of your company's existence, and in doing so, you will attract the right talent. People with whom your company's story resonates. So this month we are including an article about this very topic, written by John O. Burdett, entitled, "The Power of Storytelling: Attracting Top Talent and Nurturing a Thriving Culture" We found it to be a practical article and hope that you will take the time to read it over the holidays. But first, make sure to check out our Featured Candidate(s) and Position(s) below.

Invaluable Global Purchasing Director

This candidate has saved his organization hundreds of millions of dollars in documented direct material and indirect purchasing initiatives. He is an automotive industry professional who worked his way up from engineer within an OEM, to Director of Global Purchasing within a large systems supplier. This candidate is well-versed in business strategy and “total cost” purchasing, allowing him to make fruitful business decisions regarding supplier selection and negotiation of terms. He is also a people developer and team builder with a combination of technical skills and leadership competencies. He can relocate anywhere in the USA for the right opportunity. If you have interest in setting up a confidential conversation with this candidate, call us at 313-887-8300 ex.102 or email us: information@tieronesearch.com.

Sales Manager, Automotive Prototype Services

Please inquire about this position ONLY if you have a demonstrated experience and success with selling prototype services to automotive OEM’s such as Ford, GM, or Chrysler. Our client is looking for an experienced Sales Manager to lead sales, account management, and new client development for its state-of-the-art prototype services. This company has a long-standing reputation of excellence in providing a quick turnaround response and high-quality prototype body components to the automotive industry. This is an opportunity to join a winning team with an excellent leadership team that is creative and nimble. If you are interested in this position, call us at 313-887-8300 ex.102 or email information@tieronesearch.com.

originally published August 21, 2023 on the TRANSEARCH International website

by John O. Burdett

Crafting a Winning Story to Attract Top Talent

In the competitive landscape of today’s business world, attracting and retaining top talent has become increasingly challenging. As senior leaders, you understand that the key to attracting the best and brightest professionals lies not just in offering an impressive balance sheet, but in crafting a compelling and authentic story that resonates with potential employees. Humans are natural storytellers, and we are wired to connect with narratives that touch our hearts and minds. Your company’s culture is, in essence, its story, and this story is what will set you apart in the eyes of potential talent.

Customers don’t merely buy a product; they buy into the story behind it, the “why” that drives your organisation. Similarly, top talent is drawn to your firm not just for the promise of a paycheck but because they feel a genuine affinity for your story, your purpose, and your values. They want to be a part of something greater than themselves, to contribute to a narrative that makes a positive impact on the world.

The Five Elements of a Great Story

To effectively attract top talent, your company’s story must encompass five crucial elements:

1. Why do we do what we do?
This is the heart of your organisation’s story. Senior leaders must be able to articulate a clear and inspiring purpose that goes beyond mere profit-making. The “why” should embody the company’s values, beliefs, and the positive impact it seeks to create in the world.

2. Where are we heading?
A compelling vision of the future serves as a guiding light for both current and prospective employees. Senior leaders need to paint a vivid picture of the organisation’s long-term goals and ambitions, creating a sense of purpose and direction.

3. What do we believe in?
Values are the foundation of any strong culture. Articulating and living by a set of core values helps align employees’ behaviours and actions with the organisation’s overall mission.

4. What makes us special?
In a competitive job market, organisations must stand out from the crowd. Senior leaders must identify and communicate their unique strengths, differentiators, and the aspects that make their company a special place to work.

5. How do we make a difference in people’s lives?
Modern employees, especially millennials and Gen Z, seek more than just a paycheck. They want to work for a company that contributes positively to society. Giving back, building a strong community, and prioritising environmental responsibility are essential elements to include in this part of the story.

The Role of Storytelling in Nurturing a Thriving Culture

In times of uncertainty, the ability to learn quickly becomes a key competitive advantage. Embracing a culture of continuous learning, where employees are encouraged to share stories, challenges, and insights, can foster a dynamic learning environment. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for improving communication, problem-solving, and creativity within teams.

Leaders who can effectively communicate their vision and values through storytelling can inspire and motivate their teams. Coaching others through storytelling allows for a more profound connection, tapping into the best of each individual and giving them the confidence to act. Language is more than just a means of communication; it shapes our thinking and behaviours. Senior leaders must be mindful of the language used within the organisation, promoting a culture of creativity, innovation, and adaptability.

In a world filled with information overload, a compelling story can cut through the clutter and leave a lasting impression on employees’ minds. Powerful imagery can reinforce the organisation’s values and create a sense of unity and belonging. A culture that encourages questioning and challenging the status quo is one that continuously evolves and adapts to change. Embracing creative tension and welcoming fresh perspectives can lead to innovation and growth.

Cultivating an Inclusive and Values-Driven Culture

Language, imagery, metaphor, and story are central to how your team seeks to create tomorrow today. However, it is crucial to recognise that culture is a complex system, and leaving out any of these elements can lead to unintended consequences.

Senior leaders should strive to embed their organisation’s values into every aspect of their operations. From hiring practices to performance evaluations, every decision should be guided by the company’s core narrative and beliefs. By doing so, leaders can create an inclusive and values-driven culture that attracts and retains top talent.

The Enduring Power of Storytelling

In an era where attracting and nurturing top talent is critical for organisational success, storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool for senior leaders. Crafting a compelling narrative that encompasses the organisation’s purpose, vision, values, uniqueness, and impact can serve as a magnet for talented individuals who want to be a part of something greater than themselves.

Moreover, embracing storytelling as a means of fostering a thriving culture can lead to improved communication, learning, leadership, and innovation. By nurturing an inclusive and values-driven culture, senior leaders can build an organisation that not only attracts top talent but also retains and unleashes the full potential of its workforce. In this way, storytelling becomes the key to creating a successful and sustainable future.

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This article explores themes and concepts from content by John O. Burdett.

John O. Burdett is founder of Orxestra® Inc. He has extensive international experience as a senior executive. As a consultant he has worked in more than 40 countries for organisations that are household names. John has worked on organisation culture for some of the world's largest organisations. His ongoing partnership with TRANSEARCH International means that his thought leading intellectual property, in any one year, supports talent management in many hundreds of organisations around the world. Get in touch with John O. Burdett »

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