I DON'T BELIEVE IN UNICORNS AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU

A common conversation in my work:

Business owner, “I’m looking for someone very specific, a perfect fit, that magic employee!” 

Job Seeker, “I’m looking for a great job, a perfect fit, that magic employer!”

“Ah yes the unicorn solution, why didn’t I think of that?

Let’s make a list of what defines a Unicorn.”

Employer

·      Part time employee who can live on 20 hours per week at minimum wage, be completely flexible and work only when I need or can afford them.

·      Must have 5 years-experience running my kind of business, selling my exact product and serving my customers.

·      Must align consistently with my core values and decision-making.

·      Must have a car that never breaks down, children who never get sick and an impenetrable immune system.

·      Should never experience negative emotions while maintaining the ability to be happy every minute of every day, week, month and year.

·      Seeking a high energy individual who will consider my success their own, understands that if I make more money; I can pay them more; and understands the financial realities of a small business.

·      An employee who supports my personal life as much as their own and is happy to hear about my kids/dogs achievements in detail.

·      Mind reading abilities a plus.

Employee

·      Employer who can provide a living wage on 20 hours per week, who can be completely flexible and doesn’t need me nights, weekends or holidays.

·      Must have a long standing, thriving business that is fun to be around, with customers who are always joyously satisfied with our products and services.

·      Must align consistently with my core values and demonstrate it in decision making.

·      Must understand that sometimes my car breaks down, my children get sick and so do I. 

·      Should never experience negative emotions while maintaining the ability to be happy every minute of every day, week, month and year.

·      Seeking a high energy individual who will consider my success their own and understands that if I make more money; I can commit fully to their business. 

·      A boss that supports my personal life as much as their own.

·      Mind reading abilities a plus.

Ok I’m going to stop us there and suggest we recalibrate our expectations.

Did my snark strike a chord?

Are you feeling a little defensive right now?

When we are looking for a unicorn; a thoroughbred will always miss the mark.

How can we re-frame our expectations? Are they grounded in reality?

Let’s talk about your business.