I’ll get you a glass of water. Let’s get on with it.

by Alex Buznego on March 14, 2011

This is the best “Corner Office” in a long time! It’s an interview with the President and CEO of PRGX, Romil Bahl, on the emergence of new ideas, entitled “Learn to Walk With Beggars and Kings.” Five key points pop out:

1. Hire/look for attitude – He notes that, “The right attitude, the right desire to get it done and never give in. I feel like good, smart people in the neighborhood of the skill set we need will do better every time than the expert that may have done it four times before but is showing up with sort of a laissez-faire attitude. Are you going to make an effort to fit and to be part of the winning team and to help us win?”

2. What does a prospective hire “know about us?” – “It tells me a lot. How much time they have taken to understand what we’re trying to do is an important indicator. And it’s even better if they’ve got some ideas of what could be done or at least connect back to where they’ve faced a similar circumstance and what they’ve done with that.”

3. “If the road isn’t getting steeper every minute, watch out, because you’ve already started to head downhill.” – A lesson from his father.

4. “Life’s not a popularity contest” -The people with the greatest impact in his life were the ones who told him things he didn’t like hearing.

5. It’s important to get things done! – “We’ll be running a big board meeting or something and somebody will say, ‘There’s no water.’ So we can sit around and we can call assistants or we can just get up and get some water. Is that the culture we’re trying to set — one of sitting around waiting and being high and mighty — or is it the culture where we’re going to get things done. I’ll get you a glass of water. Let’s get on with it.”

Alex Buznego

Alex is responsible for creating and executing all Marketing strategies, including Brand Management, Interactive/Web 2.0 Marketing, Public Relations and Social Marketing initiatives at Inktel Direct. Alex’s past experience in Marketing includes time with the Miami Heat, as well as experience in the nonprofit sector as Director of Development for Roots of Hope. Alex holds a Master’s of Business Administration Degree in Marketing and Finance from the University of Miami, as well as a Bachelor’s of Arts in Philosophy, Political Science and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Alex has been with Inktel for two years.

jason s

A great article! I completely agree. Particularly with 4 & 5. It takes guts to tell it like it is. Too many people go through life with their head in the sand and never want to hear critical feedback. Or give it for that matter.

Also, getting things done is critical to any growing organization. People don’t realize how important the “impatience gene” is. Not a bad trait at all — generally means you’re results driven and simply “get things done” so you can move on to the next one.
http://www.twitter.com/danarriola13 Dan Arriola

He’s dead on – Attitude is everything! I’ll take attitude and passion over experience. Good article & i look forward to following this company over the next few years. Something tells me they’ll be very succesful if they follow what their CEO is saying…
Jerry Carducci

All the points discussed are very pertinent.

From a hiring perspective 1 & 2 say a lot about the candidate, particularly with all the information available via on-line sources. In my experience hiring attitude made up for a lack of experience in some areas. The important component is not to let the enthusiasm wane as the person gains experience in their role. The challenges need to increase and enable further personal growth, which enables the organization to grow.

While we’ve all been told something we didn’t want to hear at one time or another, the important point to remember is that it is presented privately, respectfully and constructively. And wherever possible with some guidance as to how to correct the matter being discussed. This becomes increasingly important when dealing with Gen Y’s who throughout their growing years were praised by parents, coaches, etc….even when they didn’t get their jersy dirty!! Criticism is some tough medicine for these kids to take.

We all want to be treated respectfully. As leaders it is up to us to set the example.