My wife has two of her three degrees from the University of Illinois and is a lifetime member of the alumni association.  We went to a reception for all the "Illini" who (like us) live in the D.C. area. Apparently there are several thousand (!) such graduates living around here. Who knew?  Well, the alumni association did, and a few hundred were at this reception.

The reception was at The Willard Hotel in D.C., one of the best known and most expensive hotels around.  The reception room was packed and after milling about, making the usual small talk for D.C. (you know, "What's your name?  What do you do?" and asked in that order so people can decide if you're actually important), it was time for speeches.  The Chair of the Board of Trustees spoke first.  If you've been to as many receptions as I have, it's likely you have developed an instinct as to when the speeches begin and an ability to blend into the back of the room near the food and/or bar.  Oddly enough, I didn't do that this time and instead stood near the middle to hear the Board Chairman say something interesting enough for me to make note of it in my smartphone.

The Chair was introducing the new President of the University of Illinois and just before saying his name he said, "In order to attract a great leader, we needed to create a great job. We did it and it worked." That phrase has been stuck in my head now for almost a week.  Really? That's how it works?  You don't just go out and find someone to lead, you have to create an amazing opportunity first, then you will attract someone with the experience and skills who truly wants to lead.  

I'll bet those companies that are constantly ranked as the best places to work look at their business models this way.  (Side note: not one media company, large or small, was listed in the top 100 for 2010. Google was #4. Adobe came in at #42.  Microsoft only made it to #51.  Build-A-Bear Workshop was #80. Apple was not listed.  What?

So, for those who are looking for work I have this suggestion, submitted for your approval: In the interview ask if said company is striving to be one of America's best places to work.  You can phrase the question differently, but go ahead and ask.  Yes, it's risky. I don't know about you but I'd rather not go to work unhappy and unhealthy. I'd rather be in a place that creates great jobs and then finds great people to put in them.