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I want to make clear to all that I read these posts every week seeking feedback, good or bad. To be honest, reading these isn't always easy for me. But I also believe that for Consilium to be the best it can be, we must learn from even the most harsh feedback. I respond to all posts out of respect to the original author, but also because I think it only fair that I get to share the Consilium perspective. I am not trying to "spin" anything, rather I am merely trying to offer my opinion, or further explanation. I will be the first to say that Consilium isn't for everyone, and I also understand that sometimes when people figure out Consilium isn't for them that they may lash out (sometimes fairly, sometimes not).
Your post was a little longer than most, and my response is too. I hope this is helpful for you and all others who may read. Here is my response to your unenumerated points:
1) (Underpaying employees): Underpaid? Overpaid? Just right? I will concede that this is a matter of opinion and perspective, however the comp plan, including commission, is discussed up front. There is absolutely the opportunity to make six-figures here - lots of people have done so, and continue to enjoy such compensation. Ultimately, though, it is up to the individual to earn it. We offer the opportunity to earn your way there. Some take advantage of that opportunity, and some unfortunately do not.
2) (Pushing religion): Yup, there is a men’s Bible study which meets before work on Friday mornings. And yes, there is also a women’s Bible study which meets over lunch. There is also the opportunity to join in what we call Fellowship Friday, which is an opportunity to recognize others and close the week with a shared prayer. Each of these events is voluntary and all take place outside of work hours. And yes, I will often pray before I eat. And yes, if I am buying lunch for others, I may also pray in front of those whose lunch I purchased. We are also clear in the interview process, that we are a purpose-driven, faith-based company. The founding partners launched this company with the intention of glorifying God. I am not going to hide this very important aspect of my life, and this very important aspect of the foundation of this company. At the same time, our intent is not to force religion upon anyone. We love all, and all faiths (or no faith) are welcome here. I would be happy to hear about your faith, and would also welcome the opportunity to share mine (if you would like to hear more).
3) (Archaic sales practices): We will stop using the phone when it stops working, and our results over the past eleven years of growth suggest that our sales practices are working just fine. Over the last two years Consilium has grown 40% while the locums industry as a whole is just now breaking even with where it was in 2019. I think you are a getting a little carried away with your descriptions of the emphasis on dials v. results, but I can accept that as your perspective. I will absolutely agree with you, though, that there are more tools than just the phone, and I am extremely excited about some of our recent investments in technology and marketing and how those investments will continue to support our sales people. Even so, it seems we may disagree on where the phone fits in terms of priorities…and I am comfortable agreeing to disagree.
4) (Using religion to justify shady actions…): Your comments here were a little confusing, honestly, and this is also where you are taking a clear deviation from opinion and now misrepresenting facts. We operate off of a standard 40-hour work week, and pay a “salary” in accordance with Texas Work Force Commission guidance. I put “salary” in quotes, because the TWFC determines who can be paid a salary and who must be paid on an hourly basis. For those positions which must be paid hourly, we do make the offer by annualizing those hours over the course of a year, to give an estimated equivalent of a salary, and show the math on the offer letter. If someone is surprised when they get here, that person must not have read their offer letter. I also want to correct you in that those hourly team-members ARE paid overtime which is a lovely benefit of being hourly as opposed to truly salaried. And though many of our team-members appreciate a sales environment where you get out what you put in, and therefore work overtime (and get compensated for it), there is no 44-hour work week. I am not sure how or where Jesus fits into all of that, or how any of this is misleading… so hopefully I have cleared this up for you and anyone who may be reading.
We at Consilium are absolutely open to change which can make us better. Unfortunately, for you I suppose, we are not likely to change on the items you describe; Jesus, the phones, and the TWFC are all likely to remain relevant here for the foreseeable future.
Thanks,
Matt Baade
EVP
mbaade@consiliumstaffing.com
