Welcome to handling recruiter regression! Here's a reality check: even your top-performing recruiters sometimes slide backward when facing new recruiting challenges or market shifts.
This isn't failure - it's human. Your job? Adjust your leadership style back without making them feel like they're disappointing you.
Engagement Message
Have you seen a strong recruiter temporarily lose their mojo during a major process change or market downturn?
Regression happens when capable recruiters face significantly new recruiting environments, high market pressure, or major system changes. A confident headhunter might suddenly need more direction and support.
Think new ATS implementations, market crashes, territory changes, or client relationship shifts. Their recruiting competence temporarily decreases under pressure.
Engagement Message
What recruiting situations have you seen trigger this kind of temporary performance dip?
Spot regression by watching for changes in established recruiting patterns. Someone who typically manages their pipeline independently starts asking for constant guidance on basic sourcing again.
But here's the key: this isn't permanent. They haven't forgotten how to recruit - they need temporary scaffolding while adjusting to new recruiting demands.
Engagement Message
How is this different from a recruiter who never developed strong sourcing skills initially?
Your crucial mindset: regression is temporary recruiting adjustment, not permanent failure. Treat it like helping someone recover from an injury, not starting over from scratch.
They need support to get back to their previous recruiting performance level, not complete retraining from the beginning.
Engagement Message
Why do you think this distinction matters for how you respond to struggling recruiters?
Adjust your style immediately when you spot recruiting regression. If a usually autonomous recruiter is struggling with placements, temporarily increase your direction and support without explanation or apology.
