When Dr. Donn Lobdell, head of R&D for COBE Labs, a high-tech medical device manufacturing company, was asked by the Denver Business Journal, "What's the most important part of your job?" he replied, "Hiring is the most important part of my job, because when you're hiring, you're creating the future of your company."
Good questions to get the interviewee talking are vital. Seemingly innocent questions work wonders. Questions like:
“Tell me about where you grew up?” [What issues do they talk about? Does their answer show awareness of the times and what it meant to their maturation?]
“Describe the work environment that invigorated you?" [What is important to them?]
"Tell me about the corporate culture where you experienced the most success.” [This is another way to ask the same question - is the answer essentially the same?]
“What are the three most important values you demonstrate as a leader/manager/team member?"
"Tell me a story that demonstrates how you made those values real within your workplace.” [This helps see if the values are platitudes or prompters to behavior]
The answers reveal character qualities and patterns of thinking that give you a glimpse at the heart. To be effective, your heart and the words you speak aloud must be congruent. Remember, what comes out of the mouth has its source in the heart. Skilled “hands” and great hearts build successfully organizations.
Do you have the heart to ask insightful questions?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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