Have you ever had a black manager, tell you that he/she cannot hire the black applicants sent to them by personnel?

[Bricealan]

On the face of this, it might sound biased, at the least, or (god forbid - racist at the worst) I worked for Fluor Engineering and Construction for 5 years, (One of the best jobs in my entire working career, almost, baring none, with the possible exception of Ford Aerospace, and Boeing.

During that time, I was invited to a black tie event in Los Angeles by Sea Land Service, a container ship company based there. I knew the manager by first name a young black man, my age at the time, and his name was John Favor, the same last as the character in in a TV show. During the event, Mr Favor asked me if I would consider leaving Fluor, and coming to work for Sea Land. He told me that he was SUPPOSED to hire a minority, but, "Bruce, I cannot hire the people that personnel sends me" !!! "Why, they come to my office and see I'm black, and they come on with "Hey, man, whasup" ? and high hand me at my desk.

"Bruce" he told me, I can't hire that man and send him out on the street to represent Sea Land Service" !

I was struck by the honesty, and forthrightness of this young, upwardly mobile black man.

My view, is this is a sad reflection of how some young black people, men and women alike view themselves and other in the workplace. If this had not come from a black man, it would have taken on a completely different aspect,

I KNOW this example does not fit all black men and women in the work place, because I have met and know many very competent black people.

Polite and respectful comments, please.

[MiddleAgedClimbee]

I think you're experience/encounter should be a wake up call to all those who do not wear professionalism when applying for a new job or representing a company.

[MiddleAgedClimbee]

As a sidenote, I think individuals can have a certain comfort level with those they relate to/ have had exchanges with in the past versus individuals who are strangers to a situation.

[Bricealan]

@middleagedclimbee I agree, although, John Favor was really disillusioned with his applicants. I was really impressed with Seal Land Service, and had I not been enamored with Fluor, I would have gone there in a heart beat for the 'sales experience'

[MiddleAgedClimbee]

@Bricealan if I were in your situation, I would've been slightly letdown by hearing about the applicants, but also very proud that Mr. Favor thought highly of you.

[Bricealan]

@middleagedclimbee Well, I certainly was let down, in that respect... and John Favor was a gentlemen, and I thought highly of the personnel I met at Sea Land Services. I respected his judgement in how he selected the personnel to represent his corporation

[MiddleAgedClimbee]

I appreciate the MHO selection! I think this was a great post and highlights behaviors that we should all look out for as well as duplicate (Mr. Favor)

[Bricealan]

Agree 100%