SMU COX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MBA GRADUATION - SPRING 2013

We and thousands of other brave, stalwart souls endured Dallas’ 95 degree heat and sweltering humidity yesterday to attend the Spring 2013 outdoor graduation ceremonies of Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) Cox School of Business (Graduate). Given the ongoing $40 million face-lift to Moody Coliseum (the traditional indoor venue), the ceremonies were held on the Main Quadrangle in front of impressive and historic Dallas Hall. Thankfully, SMU anticipated the heat with hospitality stations handing out bottled water and paper fans. As well planned and executed this commencement was, we do hope they stay inside from this point on.

Friend Austin paired his Master’s in English Literature with an equally prestigious Degree of Master of Business Administration (Executive program) mirroring his professorial parents impressive academic achievements. SMU’s Cox Executive MBA program is ranked seventh in the world.  So, Austin’s career is just beginning and he will, no doubt, ascend to a position of ultimate leadership wherever he decides to drop his hat.  For us he represents all that is good and right with the younger generation. We heartily congratulate Austin and his Family for his very impressive achievement.

Now, I hadn’t attended graduation exercises at the college level in many years and immediately noted some major differences.  Raised in the shadow of the Ivy League I was used to an academic community that saw representation from cultures all over the world.  Though far from the Ivy League and Son Geb’s alma mater, American University, which also always sees impressive numbers of foreign students (the sons and daughters of foreign diplomats and embassy staffers), SMU demonstrates an impressive academic reach.  The number of foreign students especially from China, India and from countries all over Africa while remarkable now appears predictable.  It punctuates the substantial increase, for example,  in Chinese students (207% increase from a decade ago) studying in the United States – now over 25% of all foreign students in the US. The number of other foreign students is also increasing.

While the lesson of stepping up to the plate and preparing our students for a far more competitive, global society seems to be lost at the high school level in the United States (especially here in Texas), that is not the case on the college level.  Universities like SMU have seen an increase in endowments targeted at attracting foreign students.  Lest we think that most of our Chinese students are from Taiwan, they are not.  And, if you’re wondering if we are reciprocating – yes, we are.  Through Chinese Scholar programs like the Schwarzman Scholars Program, more and more students are/will be studying in China.  Despite some obvious differences, it’s fast becoming evident that they are us and we are them. Austin as a part of his graduate MBA curriculum visited both China and Vietnam.  Please do not be fooled by political rhetoric or cultural differences and remember we all came from the same beginnings.

Dr. Al Niemi, the distinguished Dean of the Edwin L. Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University offered his welcome and charge to the graduating class of 2013.  I vaguely remembered (always favorably) Dr. Niemi from his days as Dean of the heralded Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia – the oldest business school in the South.   In his address Dr. Niemi reminded all in attendance that China is now the dominant industrialized nation in the world and despite some ups and downs, continues to increase its lead.

Niemi also offered a perspective from someone we suspect he may know one Ted Turner founder of TBS, CNN and winner of the Americas Cup in Newport (Captain Outrageous) among other impressive accomplishments.  I follow Ted for several reasons – 1) He graduated from Brown University where my Father attended, 2) Ted has always been the candid voice for every Man – speaking up when everybody else was afraid and 3) I was sent an invitation to and attended the 1980 opening of CNN at the old Progressive Club in Atlanta, Georgia, then Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) headquarters. It was quite a party and I was honored and certainly appreciated being a part of history. 

So, Turner is my kind of guy and we think the label “media mogul” really doesn’t do Turner justice.  As controversial as he has been over the years he is now very careful about what and how he expresses himself and represents the ultimate in philanthropy.  During the graduation ceremonies Dr. Niemi obtusely quoted what he reflected was, “reportedly, the world’s shortest graduation speech” where Duke commencement speaker “Ted Turner walked up to the podium and stated, ‘Your President asked me if I'd offer a few words of advice to you as you graduate. Here they are: 'Get out there and work your butts off.’  Then he sat down.” I had heard this story before though was also aware of a 1999 commencement address given by Turner to Duke University’s Fuqua School of Management graduates where we certainly waxed eloquent (and much longer) even touching on politics. I find no other record of a commencement address at Duke University.  So, while Turner could’ve/would’ve said, “Work your butts off”, however refreshing and welcome, that short, Turner-attributed address probably never happened.

Niemi was refreshingly brief (no clichés or hearts and flowers, etc.).  He used Turner’s alleged remarks as metaphor to launch his more appropriate charge to “Work hard and earn your success, practice the Golden Rule, follow a moral compass, maintain your ethical standards, keep learning and maintain a safety net of relationships.”

This was a sound and well-delivered message, representing an excellent school and an outstanding class.  The future looks bright.  Well done, Austin.

Aye,

Ned Buxton

IS TEXAS PUTTING YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN HARMS WAY?

For me gun control is putting common sense limits on who can legally buy a gun, period. The issue is all about gun safety not gun rights… Nobody is going to involuntarily register or take away our guns (mine included) and Barak Obama is not a new Hitler. Let’s stop all the political rhetoric and start making sense – for the good of the many. What we need to do is enforce existing laws and set up further barriers to those who would purchase guns with the intent to do harm to others. Will the criminal or mentally unstable element in our society find other ways to purchase arms?  They’ll probably try, but let’s make this as difficult as possible recognizing that existing laws denied firearm transfers or permits for almost 1.8 million applications from 1994 to 2008. In 2010 alone (the most recent year for which data is available) FBI and state law enforcement denied firearm purchases to 153,000 people. It would certainly appear that background checks are keeping guns out of the hands of at least some folks that don’t qualify for ownership or even possession. We obviously can do better and that doesn’t mean throwing out the baby with the bath water.  We all have a stake in this game.   

Just when states like Connecticut have adopted saner gun control laws that include background checks the Republican dominated House of Representatives in Texas is going full bore in the opposite direction.  Last week the Texas State House in a mostly in your face gesture passed a dozen measures that will turn our state (which is already gun friendly and very well equipped) into an even greater armed camp.  We think that this also puts more folks in potential harm’s way (more later). The current mentality running amok in the Texas State Legislature would probably not oppose gleefully renaming the state – Fort Texas or as Guv’nr Perry has inferred, engaging an option he doesn’t have and seceding altogether from the United States. Having said that, thank God many of these bills are probably going nowhere when they finally hit the floor of the Texas Senate. Alarmingly, though, some will pass into law.

Some of the Texas House proposals would allow college students over the age of 21 with concealed weapons permits to carry guns into classrooms and are you ready for this one – in a blissfully ignorant and embarrassing move, another that exempts the state from any future federal bans on assault rifles, high-capacity magazines or universal background checks.  Apparently our rough and ready legislators are not aware that state law does not trump federal law.  Among the legislation passed was a bill designed to punish by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine police officers and/or government officials who try to enforce federal firearms limits in Texas (Yikes!). This is nothing more than giddy, confrontational high stakes drama and juvenile posturing politics – just what you can expect from many Texas lawmakers – which for some will be their last hurrah – witness the next election season.  

And then isn’t it nice to know, as well demonstrated in a featured video at the NRA convention in Houston, that Texas Governor Rick Perry can kill a chicken egg at a hundred yards with a round fired from a scoped .308 LaRue Tactical assault rifle.  Perry’s victorious half smile/smirk and faux heroic gaze following the successful shot reminded us of his lighter than air demeanor many times during the last presidential debates – no Kirk Douglas/Spartacus he.  Perry admitted that he first shot a gun at age four and likened his shooting as a hobby – like golf… For me my time on the firing range was an interesting recreational pursuit and opportunity to learn how to handle, use, maintain and respect guns, nothing more.  Having said that, we certainly don’t begrudge any responsible citizenry the opportunity to buy guns for defense, hunt and even pursue legitimately sanctioned shooting events including NRA meets.  By the way, lest we think Perry’s hit a once in a lifetime lucky shot, please know that he really has a good eye and has been choreographing and practicing that shot for well over a year (we’ve seen his tweets). Yes, I have voted for him.

Now with all their bluster the mostly Republican proposed legislation that would allow students over age 21 and with concealed handgun permits to carry on their college campuses also allows the colleges and universities to opt out and enforce bans on concealed handguns.  If the initial outcry from Texas academics is any indication, most colleges and universities will choose to opt out and ban firearms on their campuses. There is, however, support for the proposal and as one Virginia Tech grad opined, “Guns on campus, that’s crazy!” We agree…

Let’s take a look at a scenario where on a college campus a deranged gunman in the model of the recent Sandy Hook shooter starts gunning down people.  Law enforcement has been alerted and they along with campus marshals and police are on their way.  You have a concealed handgun permit and you are carrying that day.  The shots are getting closer and while you have a permit you have not had any training in law enforcement and the only thing you’ve shot at are some paper targets on a shooting range, some tin cans and that tree stump you vaporized with an AR-15.  You are now, however, confronted with a life or death situation. You are in the company of your girlfriend and several fellow students and were on your way to sociology class.  What to do?

You responsibly direct your companions to seek cover and draw your weapon anticipating the momentary appearance of the shooter and around the corner, here he comes – in full body armor and carrying a Bushmaster with a high capacity clip and what appears to be several holstered handguns, an ammo sack and a snake gun slung over his shoulder. You confront him and loose several rounds that hit him in his protected zones.  He returns fire at you and your already fleeing companions.  In a fortuitous, cinematic nick of time the police arrive and dispatch the shooter – and you - as you stood at the ready - gun smoking.  You see, the police were unable to determine if you were a perpetrator or a friendly. Thus the tragedy expands and the job of law enforcement is complicated by exponential degrees by a well-intended but poorly trained (and mostly young) citizenry.

Aside from a necessary and last ditch defense of Family, hearth and home when someone confronts you and you have to defend yourself, we think we should leave the heavy lifting to law enforcement and those trained for that job. We are reminded of the recent unsuccessful home invasion by two Oklahoma teens on a rural Maypearl, Texas home.  Confronted with gunfire they fled and then ultimately committed suicide rather than face Texas authorities. That scenario resulted in a rare and welcome win for the good guys. 

Many times, though, the police may not be able to differentiate between you and the criminal.  A SWAT Team coming into a hot zone is going to shoot first and ask questions later. And we ask what about your Friends who will most assuredly come under attack by a shooter and what if you hit an innocent bystander or like the police what if another gun toting citizen student mistakes you for the shooter… Thoughts to ponder.  We certainly understand the underlying emotion, but this is a complicated issue.  As with life, we are dealing with varying shades of gray.

We also ponder that disagreements once managed and reconciled by debate or at the extreme, a brawl on the back forty, now becomes the impetus to take the easy way out and just shoot your opponent in that crazy hyperventilated millisecond where emotion trumps reason and civil behavior. You can’t take that moment in time away. We are making it easy to take the low road…  

We looked at five major polls which reflect that up to 90% of the national electorate support expanded background checks, yet Congress failed to enact and pass that legislation.  This sure looks to be a wax and wane scenario as folks forget about Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, Boston, et al though it would appear they will unfortunately be reminded of the issue many times in the future.

So who benefits if universal background checks and other gun control measures are defeated?  First of all, the gun manufacturers and the gun lobby in Washington who are paid to forward the agenda of expanding firearms sales to whomever benefit the most. The NRA who once supported greater gun controls now perceive that their influence would be greatly diminished if that ever happened thus they morph common sense gun safety into a gun rights issue – the dreaded gun registry. However they paint it, it’s all about the almighty dollar - money.

The NRA’s almost five million members are passionate and well organized – well enough to intimidate our representatives and defeat expanded gun control and background checks at the federal level. Now how does that stack up with the 66 million that voted Democratic in the last presidential election and those of the roughly 61 million Republicans that share gun control reform sentiments?  The overwhelming numbers of reform minded citizen voters don’t mean a thing until that silent and substantial majority demands their lawmakers engage reformed gun control legislation.  Until that happens we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.

The Republicans didn’t learn any lessons from their most recent defeats with it appearing they think they won.   They didn’t and we need to remind them once again of their defeat at the polls along with those from other parties - Democratic, Tea Party, Libertarian or Green, etc. who failed to support and vote the will of their constituents.

So, let’s single one of those out – Senator Kelley Ayotte of New Hampshire who literally defied the highly publicized substantial majority will of her constituents and voted against gun reform - the only New England senator to oppose the legislation. Now, Ayotte’s term runs to 2016 and that interim will be a constant reminder of an elected representative who committed political suicide in front of God and Country. She is most likely going to suffer a decreased effectiveness in the Senate, the enmity of her now estranged constituency and as the Huffington Post opined, suffer a political future that’s, “in the toilet.”  We agree and encourage all to seek out the Kelley Ayottes on The Hill and vote them out of office. Please continue to remember and stay motivated…

The NRA’s reaction?  Though we’re talking about expanded background checks that would keep firearms out of the hands of criminals, the mentally incompetent and others adjudged a risk to society, the NRA lauded Ayotte for, “protecting the rights of gun owners.” Huh?

Then on the heels of all this rubbish the Texas Senate today approved and sent to Gov. Rick Perry a bill that drastically reduces the hours of training needed to get a state concealed handgun license. The bill that passed the senate without debate cut the training from a minimum of ten hours to from four to six. We’ve determined that most states concealed weapon permit training is all accomplished within a day.  We thought that expanding the training might be more appropriate but what of those that slip in between the cracks and adopt an empowered vigilante posture - an invitation to take the law into their own hands. One highly regarded range master who trains for the Texas Concealed Carry permit stated that the now further reduced course is woefully inadequate.

If you think your sons and daughters might potentially migrate to a state with a cowboy shoot em up mentality and on a college campus that doesn’t opt out where there is no limitation on who can carry a concealed handgun save a minimalist handgun permit that doesn’t include any formal law enforcement training, you better do some real checking.  Those states are many and well beyond the borders of Texas. In fairness we heard of one study by an chemical engineer from Texas which reflects that those with Texas concealed handgun permits were, “less likely to commit any particular type of crime than the general population, and overall were 13 times less likely to commit any crime.” We say being a good (untrained) guy doesn’t make them qualified to carry on any campus where the mere presence of firearms could provoke and incite conflict.  Maybe we will ultimately come to the conclusion that there are no real safe places left – that like crossing the street there are risks inherent in all activities – where life becomes cheaper and even just another commodity.

We say let’s make it more difficult to purchase any weapon and obtain a permit and encourage all of the fifty states, the District of Columbia and our possessions to participate and share local critical data on criminals and the mentally ill, etc. to our national databank for that purpose. And, yes, let’s hold all our politicians accountable for our wishes. And let’s wonder about those students who now armed get sideways with their professors and decide to shoot it out. This is sure a different world and seemingly not a better one…

When did we ever arrive at the conclusion that the lives of our babies and innocents wasn’t as important as gun safety. As one Texas educator questioned, “How can any reasonable, sentient human being support this policy?” Ah… And with the current Texas legislature all this is paramount over the more substantial public education, highway/transportation and in a state with a great thirst – water issues.  Go figure…      

Aye,

Ned Buxton

WHAT TO DO WITH THE SMU SIG EPS?

I’m a proud lifetime member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and one who has benefitted greatly from my fraternity association.  The Sig Eps provided mentorship, brotherhood and a goal- oriented, leadership building path for me to follow - all thanks to Big Brother Bud Moore. All but one of my Buxton Brothers were Greek including one who is a fellow Sig Ep. My Dad was a Phi Delta Theta as were three generations of Buxtons before him.  Dad was wearing his Phi Delt ring when he passed to his great reward. Grandfather Littlefield was a DTD at Dartmouth.  No, we don’t think the Greek system broken as some – mostly from outside the system – might suggest.  It does take a far more mature approach and commitment to honestly benefit and forward the very positive agenda of the Greek Fraternity and Sorority system. Having said that, not all initiates ultimately prove their worthiness. It is a lifelong quest…

 

Fraternities by their very nature are highly selective and discriminate in order to attract and retain those with the highest character and personality that will not only benefit from but also contribute to the goals and mission of their organizations.  They mostly get it right but occasionally poor decisions are made though some hope that their positive influence will allow for ultimate success.  The Sig Ep Balanced Man Program follows that path.  The news is full of those who pervert or skew what fraternity is all about though the greater majority of the time those organizations bring honor and glory to their name.  The goals of developing character, leadership skills, philanthropy and camaraderie based on “the love of God and the principle of peace through Brotherhood” are impressive and achievable.  What happened at SMU recently demonstrates that we have some work to do though we caution that despite some already drawn conclusions, all is not necessarily what it appears to be.

From what we have been able to determine, it is alleged that several members of Lambda Chi Alpha (LXA) were caught engaging what they call – pranking – in this case, the ritual spray painting of the now iconic red front door of the Sig Ep House.  One of the LXA members ended up in the Sig Ep house and whether voluntarily or forced (that is yet to be determined), claims that he was beaten and held against his will. This alleged response, if proved, however perceived as well deserved, was as bad as or worse than the prank.   Our Red Door – long a symbol of welcome - has been the target of vandals and misguided pranksters - many times alcohol motivated - who think it funny to desecrate one of the more sacred symbols of our organization.   

Indeed, mischievous members of other fraternities or pretenders haven’t just singled out the Sig Eps historically.  In that same spirit other immature ne’er-do-wells have painted, tarred and feathered and even urinated on the SAE lions - even removed Greek letters from fraternity houses. We could go on and on with examples of immature behavior from so-called future leaders (no boys will be boys here…).

SMU and their University Police have come to the conclusion that four Sig Eps were, “guilty of violations of the SMU Student Code of Conduct and University policies, as well as the standards and values of the fraternity itself."  We note that they are also facing criminal charges “stemming from the attack.” SMU then suspended Sigma Phi Epsilon for two years though it now appears they could be back on campus as early as the fall of 2014.

While we abhor and do not condone the alleged immature, over-the-top response by some SMU Sig Eps, we think this looks an awful lot like “who threw the first punch?”  We ask, What about Lambda Chi whose members were surely complicit in the “prank” against the Sig Eps that prompted the response?  The defense mounted by the Sig Eps legal counsel seems plausible coupled with an attempt by the Lambda Chis to deflect from their participation in this whole affair.  The Sig Eps didn’t “prank” anybody as reported in the media… They probably just threw that second punch…

Notice to those that engaged the vandalism against the Sig Eps and think it funny.  This was a violation of the SMU Code of Student Conduct and probably about a dozen laws of University Park, Texas.  If I were a member of the Texas Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon and the identities of the perpetrators were ultimately determined, I would have recommended filing formal charges against all of them.  It was funny, you say…  See how funny it potentially is from the inside of a jail cell. It’s time to grow up.  

We certainly understand why some members of Sigma Phi Epsilon may have responded violently to the vandalism though there was no excuse for those behaviors.  If true, this was a grievous lapse in the basic philosophy of Sigma Phi Epsilon and our Balanced Man Program. These Brothers and probably some other members of that now suspended chapter now have to defend themselves and their reputation.  All need to heed the message that however justified they feel, taking the law into your own hands is unwise, illegal and not an option. We have been charged as Sig Eps to be different - to be above the Madding Crowd.  

We can’t allow violence to begat a violent response - a strategy that would most certainly be denounced by our Founders.  Surely the more mature and certainly the most responsible way to respond to this situation is not to, turn the other cheek,” rather call law enforcement and let them pursue the matter along with the University and the IFC. And how about an immediate ban on any tweets or other social media comments about the incident?   

So what of the role of Lambda Chi Alpha in this whole mess? It certainly appears that some of their members were responsible for the act that precipitated whatever the Sig Ep response was.  We wonder after having vandalized the Sig Ep house and losing one of their members, no attempt was made to retrieve him.  How about a knock on the door, an apology and offer to repair the damage? It will be interesting how the lawyers spin this one…

If it is legally determined that the Lambda Chi’s were complicit in the vandalism against the Sig Ep house (if it goes that far) then they should be as severely sanctioned as the Sig Eps and all other organizations who should be held responsible for violations of the law and the Code of Student Conduct by their members.  They need be held accountable to the university, their national organizations, law enforcement and ultimately their own conscience.

We noted that the SMU Lambda Chi’s had previously come under the scrutiny of their national headquarters for so called “risk management violations” in 2009 which resulted in the expulsion of 35 members of LXA in 2010.

Membership in a Greek Fraternity/Sorority is a privilege and a life-long commitment.  Like any organization, there are obligations which accompany membership - to abide by the principles of their Fraternity and charter.  They are only as good as their last at bat – in this case their last interaction with anybody whether it be Brother, Pledge, the University, fellow student or anybody else on or off the street.  If you can’t embrace and abide by the rules, regulations and by-laws of your sponsoring organization, University and local and national laws, then you don’t deserve to be a part of that group.  You have to continually prove that you deserve the honor and privilege of being embraced as a part of that group.  It’s an earned benefit not a right or entitlement – you earn those Sanguine et Purpure colors every day of the year for the rest of your life.

If you are looking for a good party or just another chance to push the boundaries of acceptable behaviors in an illegal cartel disguised as a fraternity, please don’t even approach the Sig Eps.  They’re working to get it right.  A little weed and feed across the board apparently wouldn’t hurt…

So, continue to counsel and remind Sig Eps and the members of all Greek Fraternities and Sororities of their pledge to embrace and live by their organization’s core values and continue to responsibly prepare themselves to be good citizens and stewards of our planet. They could be the last bastion and defenders of our way of life…

 

Aye,

Ned Buxton

CULTURAL FIT – NONSENSE OR BFOQ?

After addressing this issue for the better part of two decades and reading numerous recent posts and threads (ad nauseam) on the topic it appears obvious that few people really know what Cultural Fit is within its business context.  It sounds to many like so much esoteric nonsense and sometimes that’s the way the government sees it.  That’s probably the way you should look at it as well… at least within the window of discrimination (race, religion, sex, age, etc.) and the ultimate well-being of your company and your clients.

Now does this mean that you’re going to go out and deliberately hire a square peg for that round hole?  We hope not.  What this does mean is that you are going to write air tight position descriptions that identify legitimate requirements (Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications - BFOQ) for the position (including your prevailing management style) and hold your candidates to that standard. That effort should include training your recruiters, hiring managers and first line supervisors to a high level of competency on what they can and cannot do and that means not injecting their personal bias into that process.  Therein lies your key.  We are assured that Human Resources already embraces a working knowledge of Best Practices when it comes to Recruiting and the potential for discrimination in a skewed employment function.

First line supervisors and hiring managers are where the rubber meets the road for any company and those less seasoned and trained are where many employment problems emanate.  Many of that ilk are disposed to entertain and hire those who seemingly share their interests and values or at the outside eliminate those they feel may ultimately pose a threat to their domain – that old territorial imperative thing. Needless to say, these have little to do with, “cultural fit.” 

The question then begs - are hiring managers looking for a Friend or as Lauren Rivera, Assistant Professor of Management at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management offered, “a romantic partner” or optimally - the best qualified candidate for your position? A recent employment study validated our observations by reflecting that a majority of the hiring managers surveyed ranked cultural fit (CF) and specifically their definition of CF as, “the similarity to existing employees' backgrounds, hobbies, and presentation” as the most important measure of a candidate’s worthiness during the job interview (Yikes!*).

Well, that’s not the real definition of cultural fit which as aptly defined by HR Consultant Susan Heathfield of About.com is the, “Culture, the environment you have created for employees in your workplace, is made up of the values, beliefs, underlying assumptions, attitudes, and behaviors shared by a group of people.” We agree but most importantly it’s also how companies deliver their product and accomplish tasks – how they collaborate/work together and demonstrate the core values of their company in order to achieve their mission. So, within the context of the candidate, cultural fit is the perception of their ability to comfortably and effectively work in an environment that is compatible with their own beliefs, values and work ethic.

As an indicator of the prevailing mindset, a recent survey published in Forbes indicates that in an effort to increase their employee retention numbers, 88% of surveyed employers are looking for cultural fit over skills in their next hire (Yikes!*).  So, if a lot of their Associates like football then better not hire someone who shuns athletics in favor of the local ballet.  Yes, that’s really happened. It now just seems a secondary consideration whether the candidate can perform in the applied position.

There are so called management consultants and business folks on the World Wide Web advising that while employers should always look for employees with a high degree of competence, they should always choose cultural fit over competence when they have to make a choice?  We ask, why put yourself in a position where you are required to make that choice and potentially compromise your company?  We also advise that cultural fit should never trump competence as a factor in any employment decision. Why fill up your ranks with same sign, same dress, same everything and cut yourself off from those could/would evolve your company and carry you forward as business needs require? Now, while you may identify several equally qualified candidates in terms of competencies, an estimation of cultural fit may be the tipping point for your ultimate selection. We would also offer that companies always be sensitive to any potential discrimination issues.

In a same song, different verse perspective we are reminded of companies and particularly one that used a personality test – ones like Myers-Briggs, Bigby-Havis, Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI), Keirsey Temperament Sorter (KTS), Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2 post offer only), etc. as valid predictors of job performance and therefore a major part of the employment process. Understanding the potential fallacy of those tests the company initially relegated them to a seat (one vote) at the decision making table. Those tests, however, ended up dominating the entire process and mostly were the ultimate factor in employment decisions. In all fairness we add that the consulting company was disappointed and questioned that approach.

These tests are not only extraordinarily expensive, they are time consuming and with scheduling, travel, housing and other issues adding substantial time to the all-important time to fill (TTF) metric. A seemingly routine requisition that should have taken 30-45 days on average to fill now took twice as long.  Most HR Managers we know question whether these personality tests actually communicate anything useful about how future employees might perform on the job. We feel that a comprehensive background investigation and drug screen coupled with a sophisticated interactive, behavioral interview process by well-trained hiring managers who understand the job and their company’s culture and mission, have proved a much more effective mechanism.

While we somewhat digress we wanted to make the point that hiring managers, especially those who don’t know or understand what cultural fit really is, who hang onto this criterion to the exclusion of other more relevant standards, aren’t doing themselves or their companies any favors.  As alluded to previously, we also wonder if these hiring managers have any clue about the potential for discrimination and any disparate impact issues.

The bottom line is that cultural fit can be both – Nonsense or a BFOQ.  A candidate who embraces and demonstrates a management style and work practices not compatible with your company could be a legitimate factor when considering that individual’s suitability for a position.  For example, a candidate who has demonstrated preference for an independent, freewheeling entrepreneurial style vs. a business culture that values and embraces a more directed team approach – one more highly regimented and controlled - may not be the best fit for that company. If you are dealing with an enlightened candidate they would consider this information highly relevant as well.

However, the hiring manager that eliminates individuals who may not conform to all their cultural norms (or personal tastes) though demonstrate all the key competencies they are seeking, are probably missing the boat. Yes, it can be a delicate balancing act.  Don’t overlook those capable and qualified candidates who can consistently “think outside the box” and forward your agenda/mission. That rationale as one respondent opined, “Doesn’t leave the team/organization open to diversity and diversity can generate significantly greater results.” We agree. Companies that select employees via a cookie cutter model will be putting all their eggs in one basket (like the canary in the mirror) and predictably may end up with folks that all think and act alike.  That usually spells disaster or at least stagnation for companies operating in a 21^st century business climate which will probably require the capacity to quickly change direction – and not end up like so many lemmings hurling themselves over the precipice.

So, just because a candidate is “different” doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t be a good fit for your company. We advise that cultural fit should never trump competence as a factor in any employment decision but can be, “one seat at the table.” Companies need to insure that their recruiters and hiring managers understand all the relevant operational details of their company’s policies and employment process including the significance of cultural fit in any decision.  Likewise those managers need to be monitored just to make sure that they aren’t hiring someone just because they drink the same beer…

Aye,

Ned Buxton

* Yikes! equals astonishment, surprise, alarm and then fear - in that order.  

PS - Please note that this piece like all previously offered posts is not intended to be construed as legal advice, rather for informational purposes only and reflects the opinions of this writer based on his business experience. Please contact your Human Resources Department or employment attorney with respect to any particular issue or problem. NB

SICK DAY - SOME DAY OFF FROM WORK...

I was off work last Monday, ill for two days with some stomach bug that’s victimized many in our Recruiting Department.  We’re like one big day care, a petri dish where many of the more routine annual illnesses are shared involuntarily including the latest version of the flu and other notable, opportunistic viruses. Thanks to modern medicine this will only be an inconvenient few days and I am anxious to return to work.  The state of my health, however, is not the point of this post rather, that I was home and when not sleeping and gathering my strength, the news of the day dominated.

The morning was rough and while I was counting fingers and toes, the world slid not so blithely by.  Here in Dallas some deranged young man shot and killed his pregnant girlfriend of many years in a Hamilton Park neighborhood home and then fled the scene.   A witness to the shooting told Dallas Police Officers (DPD) that they saw the alleged shooter drive off and that the victim in a dying declaration identified the suspect as the one who shot her. All that was certain and not conjecture.

An all-points bulletin was put out for the car which was identified by DPD about 90 minutes later and a high speed chase ensued which was televised throughout the DFW area.  Eventually the shooter made his way back to the same Hamilton Park neighborhood from whence he came but only after loosing several volleys at pursuing police, wounding one officer who was treated and released from a local hospital.  After the suspect’s car ran a curb he bailed out and ran into a house that only moments before was occupied by its resident who was witnessing the chase on TV.  The story not only dominated local TV, for  several hours it was the only thing on unless you went to a premium channel or one of the news networks and some were even showing Dallas in all our unsplendor… like another OJ chase.  And this is one of the points of this post – the resident of the house watching that same TV program and realizing that the suspect had wrecked just in front of his home and was headed his way, barely escaped his home just as the shooter entered from the rear.  The shooter appeared well familiar with the house.

After four hours and a few rounds of tear gas Dallas Swat officers captured the suspect who was hiding in a crawl space under the house.  Yours truly and much of DFW saw this all play out in living color – a replay of numerous such events that we have seen across our country.  You really can’t hide anymore…  Much of the video was provided by the local NBC affiliate’s Chopper 5 which we are assured was being streamed to DPD.  At some point in the future those helicopters will probably be obsolete, replaced by much smaller airborne drones all backed up by a system of remote surveillance cameras that will literally cover the country.  We are already well on our way to that end and are probably the better for it… This incident proved that.

By the way, the suspect whose guilt of the murder and shooting at DPD officers seems certain (we saw it on TV in live living color) is listed in the Texas sex offender list for two convictions of indecency with a child by exposure, one in 2000 and one in 2001. He was sentenced to a year in prison on both occasions. He was also arrested in January on a misdemeanor family violence assault charge. The court date for that case was scheduled for next week.  Looks like that charge has now been trumped with the capital murder charge…

Then comes the Boston Marathon terrorist attack masterminded and carried out by what we know now to be two real sickos.  The suspected terrorists are brothers Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev who like our “suspected” murderer above no doubt perpetrated the Marathon Massacre even as local law enforcement reflect that they have photos of their explosive drop. Their reaction thereafter and the murder/assassination of a MIT police officer demonstrate their arrogance and desperation. Tamerlan is now dead from his attempt to shoot it out with Police while brother Dzhokhar is now in custody.  Whatever their perceived grievance we have to wonder why they would murder and maim innocents and how they so grossly underestimated the resolve and strength of our law enforcement, our military and the American People. Both petitioned for asylum and accepted refuge and the hospitality of America only to turn to the dark side.  

Prior to their capture President Obama speaking directly to the perpetrators and all Americans proclaimed that the bombings were, “a heinous and cowardly act and make no mistake — we will get to the bottom of this.  And we will find out who did this; we’ll find out why they did this…  Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.” The Tsarnaevs were persons of interest almost immediately thanks to our surveillance network and the timely photographs and video of a concerned citizenry. And, hey how about some kudos for digital photography, social media, front facing infra-red cameras and the extraordinary interaction of law enforcement with all those key elements.  

Closer to home, on Monday the FBI and law enforcement officials of the State of Texas and Kaufman County appeared closer to identifying the perpetrators of the murder of Kaufman County District Attorney Michael McLelland, his wife Cynthia and Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse.  Former Kaufman Justice of the Peace Eric Williams had already been jailed for making a "terroristic threat" and appeared to the entire world that he was involved in the shootings as well.  Most in DFW feel that he was in the sights of law enforcement and the prime suspect in the aforementioned murders.  While this writer was finishing this post word came down that William’s wife Kim was officially charged with the murders ($10M bond) and immediately implicated her husband as the shooter who was apparently taking revenge for pursuing theft charges against Williams for stealing County property.  He has since been charged with the murders and with a $23M bond we are assured that he won’t be riding his Segway any more…

So, it was quite a Monday and I couldn’t wait to get back to work.  No, reality and the press of what seems now - more than ever - a world gone mad, wasn’t left behind.  It’s just good to be with Friends and people who care. The victims of these senseless tragedies are in our thoughts and prayers as well as the heroic Citizens of Boston and Watertown. Kudos to all law enforcement whether Federal, Commonwealth or local.  Well done.

Aye,

Ned Buxton

ARE THERE ANY SECRETARIES LEFT OUT THERE?

When I was with Equifax we had a Secretary who was much more than a note taker or appointment scheduler.  She was a valuable, indeed, key member of the Training & Development (T&D) and the Employee Relations Teams who eventually evolved her worth and position in the organization as a Planning and Training Coordinator (Thank You Bobbie).  When one realizes that her inaugural with the Retail Credit Company (predecessor to Equifax) in 1960 was concurrent with the presence of the last of the Retail Credit Company’s White Gloved Ladies – Bobbie was witness to substantial changes in the company’s corporate culture and business demeanor. Retail Credit was one of the premier Atlanta business institutions where proper young ladies who understood their place entered the very genteel business world. But all that is another story and one that needs to be told.

At Equifax many of the Secretaries belonged to organizations like the National Secretaries Association which morphed into Professional Secretaries International (PSI) in 1982 and later the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) in 1998 which sought to elevate the role of these key players.  PSI and IAAP have been major players reminding business about the importance of these key roles and to this day seek to enhance these administrative support positions and provide recognition and networking for their membership.  We guess there still may be some Secretaries out there though many became Executive or Administrative Assistants as business sought to more properly recognize the position and the significant role it plays in the operation of any company.  Now IAAP embraces a membership with a diversity of office and administrative support job titles at all levels of experience. We salute and thank them for their raison d'être and contribution to business efficiencies.

No doubt we sometimes see changes in job titles made because of political correctness to include stewardesses who are now Flight Attendants and fast food workers who become Crew Members or at one eatery even Sandwich Artists. Garbage men become waste management and disposal technicians while in an even more rarified launch - sanitation engineers.  I see it all the time in resumes where housewives have now become home or domestic engineers/managers (OK, OK - Domestic Goddesses) while cleaning personnel or custodians have been resurrected to facilities operators and dishwashers are now kitchen technicians (My first job was as a Pot Washer and I’m still proud of it). The insurance industry has also contributed to the confusion where old timey insurance agents are now Family Protection Consultants.  Your hairdresser or barber is now a stylist or even an aesthetic technician.  Your paper Boy/Man/Lady is now a Media Distribution Officer …and on it goes… We could bore you with even more politically correct (PC) and ego pleasing job titles.

Yes, the aforementioned border on the ridiculous (unless you occupy one of those slots) while In most other cases position title changes are the result of a change in that function, witness the fast disappearing telephone operator who has morphed into a customer service agent as that function has been automated.  Indeed, many supervisors have become “coaches” mostly because industry in all its myriad forms has proved that when a dynamic and focused coaching effort is directed to employee populations as part of a predictable and scheduled process, improvement including productivity and quality of performance of the team has substantially increased. We still embrace the Supervisor job title and concede mightily that coaching is a key function of that job. We need to continue to be smarter and able to better manage and collaborate with our most important resource – our People.

So this has been much more than just a, “silly shift in titles” for Secretaries who have become much more than the plebian ghillies that just made coffee, opened mail, took shorthand (Gregg of course), typed letters and entertained clients and guests.  As mentioned above they have become indispensable Executive or Administrative Assistants, et al who have improved on their ability to keep the wheels of business turning.  There are even some that have retained the title, Secretary, though with a different purpose, direction and a much more sophisticated position description.

Now some advice for those executives looking for something “between a mother and a waitress” - You have been born in the wrong era.  I do remember one prestigious law firm where I worked as Director of Personnel (yes, a long time ago) and where the legal secretaries routinely complained of having to engage non-business related tasks including everything from balancing their bosses’ checkbooks to other personal services all well beyond the now hackneyed, “and all other duties as required by supervision.” We know of one Japanese owned American company where some non-exempt staff (only females) were asked and obliged to perform non-work related tasks including walking the dogs of executives and picking up their newspapers at their residences – all off the clock.  Their American HR Director intervened, consulted with the Japanese President of the company and the practice was discontinued.

Those that abused those relationships exposed themselves to liability from several perspectives and could have negatively impacted their work culture and reputation in their communities, as well as their pocketbook. Thank God they failed and in no small part due to discrimination and labor laws and the evolution of more responsible business environments and decision makers that rose above and beyond that 1950’s mentality. The die was cast when the computer replaced the typewriter and mastery of the new tools that an evolving technology became a key requirement. While many secretaries were scared that the computer would replace them, they instead became masters of that technology thus insuring their future in at least those upper sanctums of business.

So, the answer to our question, Are there any Secretaries left? is a resounding, Yes! They have been reinvented as today’s administrative professionals who are multi-taskers, adept communicators with solid interactive skills and with great computer competencies able to handle from the mundane to legitimate and complex business tasks including research and the most sophisticated spreadsheets and record keeping supporting their mostly upper echelon bosses, freeing them up to perform more efficiently in their own macro worlds.  They lubricate and fine tune the machinery of the office and keep it functioning at a high level.  The noble Secretary has evolved just as business and industry have changed in the 20^th and 21^st centuries.  The men and women who occupy those posts will continue to adjust to meet an ever changing business need and we are all the better for it. 

Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen and all those of your ilk and God Bless and Thank You Bobbie Sue Lanham Blanton for your Friendship and great work ethic. Those best wishes would especially include one Betty Buxton who was a Lincoln School/Katharine Gibbs graduate, Private Secretary to two Governors of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations and the Senior Legal Secretary at Edwards & Angell (now Edwards Wildman Palmer) in Providence, Rhode Island. Yes, she is my Mom…

While we may not celebrate a National Secretary’s Day anymore, that day like the position itself, it has evolved into Administrative Professionals Day observed this year on Wednesday, April 24^th.  So, take that opportunity to thank all those that support your work, whatever their job title, and encourage them to pursue their careers by sponsoring them in organizations like IAAP.  You and your company will benefit greatly from your generosity and astute business sense.

Aye,

Ned Buxton

WHO CARES ABOUT JOSH HAMILTON?

Following the Los Angeles Angels 3-2 defeat yesterday at the hands of the Texas Rangers, the not-so-forgotten former Rangers (now Angel) Josh Hamilton profusely spouted after the Angels loss.  His poor hurt little feelings conjured his reaction to most of the 48,845 Fans in sold out Rangers Ballpark in Arlington who were booing and taunting him almost in unison upon his appearance at the Texas Ranger home opener yesterday.  The only time the Texas Fans cheered was in recognition and appreciation of Hamilton’s 0 for 4 performance at the plate and his less than superb play in the field which certainly brought back memories of his last two games as a Ranger.

Hamilton reacted in a surprisingly naïve and arrogant manner reflecting that he was surprised how quickly the fans turned against him and then attributed his safe passage through his poor performance and negative reception by the fans first by the story of “Jesus being rebuked in Jerusalem” (Yikes!) and perhaps more appropriately to his kids. Now we applaud his Family and hope that they can see him through some equally hard times yet to come.

Seems that Hamilton has forgotten his many slams against Dallas and north Texas which include – his now famous statement that DFW was not a good baseball town.  He may be speaking for himself though the loyal 3.5 million fans that passed those turnstiles last year might take offense.  Today – they let Hamilton know how they felt and the big video board welcomed Hamilton to “Baseball Town.”  While we will concede that football may still reign in Texas the mediocre Dallas Cowboys appear to have lost the America’s Team label.

An egocentric Hamilton optimistically offered before the game that, "It will be mixed feelings from the crowd.  People who really get it will cheer and the people who don't will boo. Either way, I'll do what I got to do to help my team win."  I guess from his perspective very few in the stands, “got it.” He’s right and everybody else is wrong.

Those not familiar with the situation here in Texas need know that Hamilton’s insensitive remarks were the absolute burning bridge with Texas and one the Fans will never forget.  We have heard of other more inflammatory remarks made by Hamilton about Texas.  Following the game today Hamilton also deflected, “I’m glad I could help create spirit and fire in this town. This was louder than any playoff game that I’ve ever been to.”  It continues and, well, you get the drift… All this from a kid from Raleigh, North Carolina who was kicked around the minors in the Tampa Bay organization, a short stint with Cincinnati and then his mostly impressive but troubled tenure with the Rangers.

How could Hamilton forget his pitiful performance in the last regular-season game at Oakland when the American League West Division crown was at stake? Hamilton appeared to be dogging it in the most important game of the year and blew a routine fly ball, an error that would have ended the inning and ultimately cost the Rangers the game and the pennant. That botched play is still out there for the whole world to see in its nauseating detail on YouTube and a myriad other sports sites.

In the American League wild card game the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Rangers 5-1 to advance in the 2012 playoffs.  Hamilton’s sorry performance at the plate (0 for 4 with two strikeouts) was absolutely the last straw.  The Boo Birds were out in full force following that debacle with most thinking that Hamilton just wasn’t motivated and even worse – didn’t appear to care.  His impressive performance legacy for his five years with Texas drew a sobering contrast with the end of the 2012 season where Hamilton actually struck out 20 times in his last 46 at-bats as a Ranger. Following that game Hamilton hinted to his exodus to California by paraphrasing Matthew 10:14, “If they don’t receive you in a town, shake the dust off your feet and move to the next.”  Like an angry two year old he took his toys and ran out of town. It certainly appears to many that it’s all about him and he really doesn’t understand the risk the Rangers took and now the Angels assume.  Hamilton followed the pot of gold though ultimately many agree now that this move was best for Hamilton and The Rangers. Again, it’s all in the how he handled the transition.  

The word this writer heard on the street was that the Rangers unwilling to be enablers offered Hamilton a short term package (three years) with incentives where he would have “shared some of the risk” given his “special circumstances”. Hamilton declined. That failing the Rangers really didn’t want Hamilton back.  The fact that Hamilton never gave the Rangers the chance to counter the Angels' offer would suggest that he really didn’t want to come back either.  Works for us.

Beyond all of Hamilton’s 2012 late season performance issues was the reality that Ranger Fans had embraced and nurtured Hamilton as he negotiated his way through alcohol and drug abuse (several times) and an organization that could have bailed on him and cut him loose.  They didn’t and the Fans rose to his rescue only to witness what some feel was the false piety of being conveniently “born again” following a couple of his very public 2009 and 2012 escapades. Josh Hamilton is and will always be a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. Hamilton despite all his bombast is fragile and with all of his issues needs all the support, encouragement and supervision/monitoring he and the Angels (and their fans) can muster.

If Hamilton eventually comes to the conclusion that he wants to repair his relationship with Texans, he also needs to learn to keep his mouth shut (“I don’t care what people think.”) and also learn to better appreciate those who tried to help him when he was down.  This town became a village and helped him every way they could. Then he showed disrespect and insensitivity to folks who genuinely cared about him, his Family and his future. They may not have been the critical part of his intimate support group but they came to the Rangers games and rooted and prayed for him.  And then he left after lackluster performances the end of last season and followed with what was perceived as a personal affront and damage that he will never be able to repair unless he also learns some humility and apologies to those that cared for him most of all.

So, yes, this was more of a personal issue with Hamilton. The Fans feel they now see him as he really is though we counsel that tomorrow is another day.  So who cares about Josh Hamilton?  Despite all the rhetoric we all do and wish Hamilton and the Angels a smooth passage.    

Aye,

 
Ned Buxton

PS - In this Saturday's Rangers-Angels game Josh went 0 for 4 again including two strikeouts.  The Angels, however, turned themselves around convincingly defeating the Rangers 8-4. Hamilton revealed that his wife who was sitting in the stands for Friday night's game with their children and had to call security because of taunting and some alleged harassment. Hamilton's wife and children returned to Ranger Stadium Saturday though accepted the hospitality of Ranger's management in one of their private suites.   Ladies and Gentleman if the allegations by Hamilton are correct, then we need to clean up our act.  We've made our point.  Time to move on and become the true fans we are...

Aye, NB