by Dan Gathof
Years ago, I did something bold—something that straddled the line between bravery and foolishness. I wrote a manifesto. Not only did I write it, but I published the 15-page pamphlet and mailed it out to clients and prospects. I know what you’re thinking—writing a manifesto? That’s risky territory. You have to be prepared for the inevitable Unabomber jokes (Ted Kaczynski’s infamous Industrial Society and Its Future) or accusations of being a communist (The Communist Manifesto). In hindsight, it wasn’t about balancing bravery and stupidity—it was all stupidity. But hey, at least I didn’t mail it out from a remote cabin in the woods.
But the reason I wrote that manifesto was to share something important—my intentions, my motives, and my philosophy on recruiting. I wanted people to understand how I think about clients, candidates, and the recruiting process as a whole. To make it resonate, I drew from pop culture references that I knew would land with my audience.
One of my favorite parts of that manifesto was a section titled, “We say ‘no’ when we are not a fit.” To illustrate this, I told a story about Tom Petty:
“In the early 1980s, Petty found himself in a battle with his record company over the pricing of his album Hard Promises. MCA wanted to release it for 10% more than the usual price, but Petty refused, wanting to keep it affordable for his fans. On principle, he said ‘no’—and in the end, he won the battle, much to the delight of his fans. The album reached the Top Ten and eventually went platinum.”
I used Petty’s story to reflect a key value at Olympia: we’re not afraid to say “no” when a client or search isn’t the right fit for us. It’s not about arrogance, but about knowing when the circumstances don’t align. As I wrote in the manifesto:
“At Olympia, we turn away almost as much work as we take on. Saying ‘no’ on principle requires humility, self-awareness, and confidence.”
My point was clear: I don’t want to take on work where I can’t be highly successful. If I put myself in a situation where failure is likely, it has negative outcomes for the candidates, the client, and for me.
Now, some would argue this is a poor business strategy in recruiting. You can’t make money if you don’t take on searches, right? They’ll say that maximizing revenue and profit should be the top priority for any business. Fair points—and a reminder that my financial instincts could use some serious improvement.
But here’s the thing: what if maximizing revenue and profit isn’t my primary goal? What if I’m driven by something deeper, like not wanting to let people down? What if my main motivation is to succeed for both myself and others—to represent a platform that treats people well and offers meaningful career opportunities?
Over the years, I’ve had moments of financial panic—moments when I wasn’t sure how my company would survive. At those times, my principles felt like they were crumbling, turning from the foundation of my existence into a collection of corporate buzzwords. The financial pressure was so intense that if a company needed a recruiter for human versions of Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Men, I would have taken the job in a heartbeat!
But even in those desperate times, I stuck to my principles. And in my darkest moments, I was still able to explain to companies when I wasn’t the right fit for them. That took a mix of humility, self-awareness, and confidence.
This lesson doesn’t just apply to recruiters—it’s something that job seekers need to remember, especially when they hit rock bottom. When you’re feeling desperate for work, it’s tempting to take whatever comes your way, even if it’s a role that doesn’t align with your values. But it’s during these moments that you need to lean on your principles and be willing to say “no.” Even if you feel like the human version of a Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man.
Hire Thought
There are times in life when saying “no” isn’t an option. But more often than not, saying “no” is a tool we can use—and it’s a powerful one. By confidently saying “no” to roles or opportunities that don’t meet your standards, you create space for the right opportunities to come along—ones that truly align with your skills and ambitions.
Saying “no” is not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of empowerment. It helps you build a career that you’re passionate about, rather than one you’re stuck in out of obligation.
Remember, every “no” brings you closer to a better “yes.” Empower yourself to make choices that reflect your true potential and aspirations.
