The Human Garden: Why Community Changes Everything in Recruiting
Everyone’s talking about AI transforming recruiting, but they’re missing something much more fundamental: the power of human gardens we call communities.
I’ve been watching the recruiting industry evolve for years, and it’s fascinating how we keep chasing the next big technical solution while overlooking the simple truth that’s been there all along. The best recruiters aren’t the ones with the fanciest tools or largest LinkedIn networks – they’re the ones who’ve planted themselves in the right communities and cultivated real relationships.
Think about it like gardening. You can’t just throw seeds anywhere and expect them to grow. You need the right soil, the right climate, and most importantly, the right ecosystem of other plants. That’s exactly what a strong recruiting community provides.
The most successful recruiters I know aren’t solo practitioners. They’re part of tight-knit communities where they can share challenges, celebrate wins, and grow together. These aren’t just networking groups – they’re professional families where it’s safe to admit you don’t know everything and ask for help when you need it.
What’s interesting is how the business model of recruiting is shifting too. We’re seeing a move toward what I call the “fractional recruiting” approach. Instead of the old agency model (which is like buying an entire restaurant just to get dinner), companies can now “share the kitchen” with experienced recruiters who work with multiple clients on a retainer basis. It’s more efficient, more flexible, and honestly, more human.
But here’s the thing that really gets me: despite all our talk about AI and automation, the fundamentals of great recruiting haven’t changed. It’s still about being hungry (ambitious), humble (willing to learn), and smart (emotionally intelligent) – and no algorithm can replace that combination.
The future of recruiting isn’t about choosing between technology and human connection – it’s about finding the right balance. The best communities understand this. They’re not trying to replace human interaction with digital tools; they’re using technology to enhance and enable deeper human connections.
So before you invest in another AI tool or expand your LinkedIn network by 1000 random connections, ask yourself: Where’s your garden? Who are your people? That’s where the real growth happens.