Ever recruited for a position before the incumbent that's currently in the position knows there's a problem?  Welcome to the big boy/big girl world of workforce planning, executive search and being a talent pool recruiter.

Most of us have been asked to do this.  It seems wrong.  It came to mind when I heard that the AP was calling around to refresh their pre-prepared quotes for a Steve Jobs obituary.  More from the New York Post:

"Sources said Apple chiefs were furious to find out AP reporters had been calling top Hollywood studio and record-label executives, seeking quotes to refresh their obit on Jobs, who has been out on medical leave for several months but will join the keynote at the WWDC event in San Francisco.

Calls are believed to have been placed in the last two weeks to honchos at Universal Studios, Warner Pictures and record labels Sony, EMI and Warner Music.  

A source told Page Six, "Apple found out about it and asked everyone involved not to give any quotes, although most of those called had already refused."  One person the AP approached told us, "I understand they have a job to do, but it seemed a little ill-timed and macabre."

Of course, when someone finds out you're recruiting for a position that's not yet vacant, it also seems a little macabre.  Especially to those you're recruiting to replace.  

There are two lines of thought to help you feel better when you have to recruit for a position that's not yet vacant.  Also known as "rationalizations", this is how you sleep at night and also look in the mirror in the morning and not hate yourself:

1. The higher the position, the more full contact rules apply.  If they don't know there's a performance problem, execs certainly expect there to be some daggers out if things aren't going well.  They're also probably going to get paid at the time of exit.  You're just the assassin being asked to climb up on the building to do the shooting.

2. For mid-level positions and below, you're just building a talent pool.  Tell candidates that.  You might have multiple positions available, which means the low performing incumbent turned her performance around and can now stay.  You're a hero because you sourced ahead of the curve, which makes total sense now since the company wants to keep the incumbent and ADD a position.  

Of course, the AP reporters seeking quotes on the death of Jobs had their own rationalizations as well.  Do what it takes to look in the mirror and feel good if you're asked to recruit to replace an incumbent after you've seen her whistling in the hallways - on the same day.

You've got a job to do. These days, that's not a bad thing.