What would your first boss in recruitment say if I asked for three words to describe you, what about any boss you ever had? What would they say? What if I asked your colleagues?

We love to develop a construct of ourselves, and often we surround ourselves with people who reinforce that. But as they say, your real reputation is what people say about you when you are not in the room.

Last week I was honoured to announce the newest inductee into the people2people Hall of Fame at their annual Stride awards. A pretty big deal affair held at Melbourne Town Hall, black tie and 110 staff from the company’s many offices around Australia and New Zealand. All the usual top performances were recognised, but the big one was the announcement of only the third-ever member of the people2people Hall of Fame. The third in 18 years, mind you! Not an easy club to get into!

The Hall of Fame is a special recognition to those who have made a significant contribution to people2people and the recruitment industry. They have billed a great deal, built and managed teams, mentored many newbies and helped shape the business. The person who was honoured that night helped found the company, was a director and shareholder, a great permanent consultant and a wonderful mentor and all-around-good guy, Simon Gressier.

Simon had worked with Graham Whelan (The world’s best recruiter) and me at Recruitment Solutions in the nineties, so in preparing my presentation speech I called up Graham, who was Simon’s first boss in recruitment and asked, “In a sentence, what do you remember of Simon.”

And three words came quickly and without hesitation:

Trust, Respect and Loyalty

What a legacy. To be described that way! But Graham said more.

“Simon was someone you wanted on your team. He was authentically interested in people, likeable but commercial. Such a magic mixture.” Graham went on, “Clients and candidates responded to him because he always did what he said he would do! “ He finished with, “Simon is the type of recruiter this industry can feel proud of and needs more of.”

So firstly, congratulations to Simon on a recruitment career well lived. You deserve the accolades, even though you never seek them. But also, let’s reflect on our own legacy. Are those the first words people would use to describe you? Or me? What do we need to be, how do we need to behave, and what do we need to improve, to create a legacy we will be really proud of?

You see it is harsh but true. We can tell ourselves whatever we like. Pat our own back as far as our arms can stretch. We can create whatever fantasy world that makes us feel good on Insta. But it’s when other people who have no vested interest describe you like this; then, it really means something.

Congratulations Simon.