When I begin coaching a new client, I always ask them, “Walk me through your High Performance Recruiting Leader Routine”. Almost 80% of the time, I get a blank stare or there is a long, awkward silence.
A high performance recruiting leader stands out not only by the metrics they hit or the candidates they woo but also by what I call their “High Performance Recruiting Leader Routine”. This is a sophisticated blend of personal care, team management, and strategic foresight—elements that, when combined, create an unstoppable force in the recruiting world.
Read more about high performance recruiting in our archives.
Meal Prep: The Foundation of a Healthy Leader
It all starts with nutrition. As a leader, your body is as much a resource as your sharpest team member or most sophisticated software. Meal prepping is a cornerstone of my high performance. It’s more than just a means to eat healthier—it’s a systematic approach to ensure your energy levels are primed for decision-making and leadership duties.
By dedicating a few hours each weekend to prepare balanced meals, you not only set yourself up for a week of nutritional success but also free up precious time on weekdays for strategic tasks rather than lunch-hour indecision. There is nothing better than being hungry and being able to quickly grab a HEALTHY meal that is already prepared. Also, it’s one less decision I have to make during the day.
Time for Yourself: The Untapped Resource
Self-care is the high-octane fuel that powers a leader’s day. Taking time for yourself might seem counterintuitive in a results-driven environment, but high performance is a marathon, not a sprint. Integrating personal time into your routine—be it for meditation, exercise, or a hobby—can significantly enhance your mental clarity and emotional resilience. This is the space where you’re not a recruiting leader; you’re simply a person.
I use this time to watch YouTube videos from some influencers in the spaces I like to learn or catch up on industry news. It’s vital for preventing burnout, sparking creativity, and maintaining a balanced perspective. Honestly, it’s my version of a cup of coffee in the morning.
Fasted cardio in the morning comes with a range of beneficial physical effects. When done after an overnight fast, it can lead to more effective fat burning since the body tends to draw on stored fat for energy due to lower glycogen levels. This may assist in reducing body fat more efficiently. Additionally, engaging in cardio before breakfast can enhance metabolic responses, potentially improving energy management throughout the day and supporting endurance.
It might also help in maintaining a balanced appetite, which is beneficial for weight control. However, it’s worth noting that individual experiences may vary, and it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before embarking on a fasted cardio routine.
Leading High-Performance Teams
A high performance recruiting team mirrors its leader. As the adage goes, “the speed of the leader determines the pace of the pack.” A leader’s routine must involve strategies for nurturing the team’s skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and aligning the team’s efforts with the overarching business goals. This involves regular check-ins with team members, staying abreast of the latest recruiting trends and tools, and ensuring that the team has the resources they need to succeed.
The Morning: Strategic Start
A High Performance Recruiting Leader’s morning might start before the office lights flick on. This time is reserved for strategic planning. Reviewing the previous day’s results, setting clear goals for the day ahead, and prioritizing tasks that will move the needle are integral to a morning routine. This is also the perfect time for a leader to engage in some form of mental or physical exercise to stimulate the mind and prepare for the challenges ahead.
The Workday: Focused Execution
During the workday, a leader’s routine is punctuated by moments of focused execution. This means diving deep into the data, making informed decisions, and leading recruitment efforts that align with the company’s strategic goals. It’s about being in the trenches with the team, guiding them through complex negotiations, and maintaining a pulse on the recruitment lifecycle.
The Evening: Reflective Downtime
As the day winds down, a High Performance Recruiting Leader Routine reflects on the outcomes of the day’s efforts. This is a crucial part of the routine, as it allows for adjustment and recognition of successes and learning opportunities.
Personally, I do my strength training after work. This is my sacred time and helps me package the day, especially if it was a challenging one. I cannot tell you how many times I have had my best ideas while at the gym. The brain continues to process the day while I’m pushing my physical body to its limits.
Regardless of your choice of routines, evenings should be about unwinding and detaching from the role to rejuvenate for the next day.
Health First: The Leader’s Choice
Putting health first is not just a personal choice; it’s a strategic one. Physical and mental wellness directly impacts decision-making, creativity, and endurance—all essential qualities in a leader. It’s about more than just hitting the gym or choosing a salad over fast food; it’s about building a routine that incorporates regular check-ups, mindful practices, and adequate rest. A leader who is in peak condition sets the tone for a team that values health as a key component of high performance.
Crafting Your Routine
Creating a High Performance Recruiting Leader Routine is not a one-size-fits-all formula. It requires a deep understanding of one’s personal rhythms, team dynamics, and business needs. However, there are pillars that should form the base of any effective routine:
- Structured Meal Prep: Commit to preparing meals that fuel your body for high performance.
- Designated Self-Care Time: Block out non-negotiable time for self-care daily.
- Continuous Learning: Dedicate time each week to professional development and staying current with recruiting trends.
- Team Development: Prioritize regular development sessions with your team to enhance their skills and engagement.
- Goal-Oriented Task Management: Begin each day with a clear set of objectives and review your accomplishments and learning points at the end.
- Physical and Mental Health: Make your physical and mental health a priority through regular exercise, meditation, and health checks.
Implementing these elements into your daily routine might require a reshuffling of priorities, but the return on investment is substantial. What are your secrets to maintaining your performance levels?
About me
and Sprint Recruiting
Trent Cotton is a highly accomplished leader and strategist with extensive experience in organizational development, talent management, and business operations. With a strong background in HR leadership, he has a proven track record of designing and implementing innovative HR programs that drive employee engagement, retention, and business performance.
As an experienced executive, Trent has worked with some of the world’s leading companies, where he has led and supported HR initiatives across a broad range of functions, including talent acquisition, workforce planning, diversity and inclusion, performance management, and employee relations. He is also highly skilled in HR technology implementation, data analytics, and HR process improvement, helping organizations to optimize their HR operations and drive business results.
If you follow his blog http://www.sprintrecruiting.com or have read his book, Sprint Recruiting, you would experience his raw communication style, his ability to build and lead high-performing teams, and his strategic mindset. He is passionate about creating workplaces where employees can thrive and grow, and he is committed to helping organizations leverage the power of their people to achieve their business objectives.
In addition to his professional experience, Trent is actively involved in his community and has served on several boards and committees supporting education, workforce development, and diversity initiatives.
In his free time, Trent has written two books: “The 7 Deadly Sins of HR” and most recently, “Sprint Recruiting”. He will be releasing “The High Performing Recruiting Team” in the fall of 2023 and “FutHRist” in 2024.
He’s an active participant in the HR Industry and is asked to participate in roundtables or provide keynotes for many organizations. His blog Sprintrecruiting.com reaches thousands of readers and provides unique insights on a range of recruiting topics.
Connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter for more.
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