Strolling through the streets Tenley had been getting approached left right and center. She had given each person a little of her time in between her need to make a few bucks to move on elsewhere if the need be. As she strolled through the streets she had thought over a question that had been posed to her. It was a really great question and it stuck with her.

"How can you be so picky?" She mulled this over as she continued to walk.

Spotting a cafe she stopped in for a quick drink which gave her some more time to think it over. She couldn't shake the question from her mind so she figured she would head back to the streets and bring it up. Spotting a nice bench she stepped up onto it and cleared her throat. Tenley noticed a bit of a gathering looking at her so she began to speak before she lost the attention.

"How can I be so picky when it comes to looking for a home? I'll share with you the thinking behind it. I know that people should rush to house themselves but not me. I was taught a long time ago by my ancestors that it makes more sense to do some talking, see what things leaders are looking for because not everyone works the same way.

So while I may be a bit frustrating I have every right to be picky. When you are being approached about homes you are considering them for death till you part with them. This is a huge commitment. While marriage can end in divorce, joining a family does not. So I want to be sure that I have chosen someone that I can respect. Someone whose values are in alignment with my own, otherwise I would just be wasting my time.

Associates are seen as the low end of the spectrum when in reality they are quite frequently the ones to give their lives saving the higher ranks. This is also another aspect to look at. Would I want to give my life for theirs or anyone they may value?

All I can say is be picky. Ask questions. Don't be intimidated or feel rushed to pick that one spot for you. Once you find that spot that you can really work with you will know."

Tenley jumped off the bench. Taking a quick glance around she settled on the bench and waited for the commentary she was sure was going to happen.

  Richard pushed himself off the street lamp, after hearing what the young, but apparently wise, gangster had to say. He walked over to her and offered his hand to shake.

 "I agree with much of what you said here. Choosing a family carefully is a necessity. It's a choice that shouldn't be taken lightly, but sadly is, far too often. I admit, there have been times where I, myself, had rushed into choosing a family without seeing if it were the right choice for me. I understand, as well, why so many people make the decision quickly too. As you mentioned new members of this thing of ours, and sons of those recently fallen, often get bombarded with propositions from prominent members in our country. It can put a lot of pressure on someone to find a crew quickly. People often forget that they have a longer amount of time than they think to choose a suitable family, and I think that they should use that time to choose a leader that they can connect with, rather than the one who had propositioned them first."

  Having said his two cents Richard looked around to see if anyone else was interested in weighing in on the topic at hand

Ghost after listening to the speech walks up to young lady who just hopped off the park bench and discusses the topic with her.

You're not wrong that joining this thing of ours is a commitment and a serious one at that.   Understanding the seriousness of the decision is always a good lesson for those new to our community.

After taking a short pause to gather his thoughts and focus the young lady's attention, he continued.

One thing to keep in mind however, is that its a two way road when it comes to finding a home.  Just like you need to find a good match for your own reasons, an organization is looking for a good match themselves.  In the end, just like they're selling their capabilities and benefits to you, you're selling your capabilities and your skills to any group of associates you choose to join.

Gives the young lady and the other onlookers a chance to process the thought. Ghost decided to provide an example to clarify his thoughts.

In my previous life, before joining this thing of ours, I was involved in recruiting people for a large organization.  Asking questions usually showed that the person was engaged, energetic, and was taking interest in the direction of the organization.  However, some recruits asked questions that made everyone question whether they understood what was being asked of them.  For example, lets pretend you go to an interview to become an entry level worker and your only questions are about how the CEO feels about the actions of his competitors.   How would the organization know about YOUR commitment/skills/capabilities when you ask questions about the direction and strategy of the overall company?  Also, you're not being recruited for a CEO position, you're being recruited as a new face who might have the talents to be of use.

Ghost took one more pause to make his final point.

My advice in the end is to find a place that understands what you can bring to the table as a recruit and has the capability to allow you to grow.  However, in the process of finding that place you ask the wrong questions or focus on issues outside of a recruits control, you'll never find that place.  The saying says that there are no bad questions; however, despite the example of corporate life that I used, in this line of work asking too many questions or the wrong questions will put you in a precarious position.  Look for someone who understands your capabilities and can help you develop your skills and then grow from there.  You'll never know everything from day one regardless of how hard you try.

Ghost takes a step back and allows her and the onlookers to consider his thoughts and respond if they wish.

Tammy nods in agreement as opinions are thrown into the discussion. 

"I'd agree very much very the comments made. It is a mutual understandin' between the two on first approach, the crew leader can identify someone who appears to have promise, while the member recognises an operation which offers security and progression."

She raises her brow, shrugging.

"A crew leader can be easily impressed however, bearing in mind they are looking to fill their ranks and have an entire pool of prospective workers to choose from. The skill of being a good member will be the ability to identify where the recruiter is just looking for a body, or an opportunity.

"Alternatively, the worker may have zero experience in our world and need tutoring, in which case they will ignorantly join the first person who approaches them. And that's where a good recruiter comes in, by advising them upfront what their expectations should be and by advising them to shop around to find someone who works the way they want to.

"That's how I would approach it if I was trying to fill my ranks. Yeah, you can join me if you want, but your way of working may vastly differ from my own, so feel free to be picky and check out the other offers on the table."

Romance draws Tenley closer to him.... he puts his mouth against her ear.... his hot breath sending chills down her neck as he whispers...

"I just want you to know......."

Romance bites down on her earlobe..........

"...I agree with everything you are saying."

Romance lets out a soft groan as he continues to whisper sweet nothings.......

"When searching for prospects, a leader or recruiter should not only expect questions, but should encourage them.  This is not only for the benefit of the thug looking for a start in Our Thing but for the Boss and the crews' benefit as well.  Recruiters should be as up front as possible, even to the point where they might need to tell a prospect they won't be a good match if need be.  A good point you bring up, my love.  Good luck."

The morning breeze feels cool on the wetness left behind on her ear as Romance pulls away..... vanishing into the shadows... leaving Tenley with only the memory of his touch..............

Tenley looked around as she listened. Someone had picked up something she had forgotten about and it made her heart skip a beat to see it mentioned. She brushed her hair out of her face as she spoke.

"I am so glad that the fact it is a two way street when it comes to this. It absolutely is. Every leader or recruiter should be interviewing just as the person who is looking for a home should be. Otherwise it is not a true representation of what both parties are looking for and how well it would work out.

Tabitha you make a really good point. I have always felt that those coming to our community should be aware that they have some time to talk to other people and find the best fit. Maybe they won't know the best fit exactly if they are really new but at the very least it does inform them that they have time and do not need to jump on the first offer that comes their way."

She turned to each person and gave them one of her rare smiles.

"I appreciate that you all took time out of your day to speak with me."

As a reminder, the associate movement programme is still in existence. People can move between families prior to making their bones, this supports those people who feel the crew they're in doesn't fit their style or isn't suited to their needs.

Should anyone need more information on this, feel free to contact me and I can direct you.

I'm very sorry that there isn't another RobOakhart for you to join. 

That is a shame that there isn't. My ancestors that worked for him did quite enjoy his family. However, there are others that are decent leaders. I am sure of it.

However, that isn't the point of this discussion but thank you for your piece of mind.

It's okay. It's okay. No problem. Didn't cost a thing. Fond memories of days under Rob can warm your heart in the crews that you join and find sub-par to his excellence, since anything but would just be a piece of silver, tarnished in varying degrees. 

Grabbing a piece of paper and something to write with, Tenley began writing some notes.

You seem to be fixated on Rob. Is there something you want to tell us all? Perhaps a crush gone bad?

I'm sorry. I'm not interested. I wouldn't want to make you jealous. You were his shining star! You were the precious gem in his crown! It's okay. It's okay. I said it's okay. 

I am fairly sure that I have never met this Mr Oakheart considering he is no longer with us. So hard to imagine that I would be his shining star.

Its tough from the aspect of a leader as there are a few aspects to it both from the new age to the old age. No one wants to be labeled a member whore or seen as taking in all bad mobsters..but then no one wants an empty crew while they watch everyone else expand and their business boom. They get their bones when we promote them, but they still represent us at all times.

Years ago we would see the murder of a crewleader because of the actions of one of two messed up members. That's just how it was but that does not seem to be the case now so we are much more open to recruiting people and giving them a chance to shine while removing them just as quick if they turn bad.

Sometimes it takes people proving it to show it, but they cant prove it if we don't give them a chance. Be open to teach and open to new things and we can always grow and adapt to an every changing world. Its hard to let go in a complex world like this but sometimes we must.

From a mobsters side of it you get spoken to by so many different people and most times you never even committed a crime for them. Take your time and look around and find something that fits you right, its a lot easier for everyone involved.

Take your time to find a family you enjoy and if you find you are not then you are able to leave until Made Man although it can be so much more enjoyable to enjoy it from the start.