How I Interview People…
Summary
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When I interview candidates, I want them to understand the reality of the situation, even to the point of making it sound worse. This way, only those truly committed will stick around.
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For a recent CFO hiring, I emphasized that while the company might be worth half a billion, it’s a challenging environment. The goal is to find someone who embraces challenges, not runs from them.
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In the past, a successful hire was someone who genuinely thrived in chaotic and challenging situations, proving their ability to manage effectively under pressure.
- By exaggerating the challenges, I ensure that only the people who are genuinely excited and ready to handle the situation join the team, which helps avoid mismatched expectations later on.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest implementing honesty and transparency when setting expectations for any new hires or business partners. Being upfront about the challenges and workload ensures that only those truly ready and excited for the experience will come on board. It saves time and avoids mismatched expectations later.
A good way of doing this is by intentionally painting a realistic, even slightly negative, picture of the work environment during interviews. This might seem counterintuitive, but it attracts people who thrive under pressure and enjoy problem-solving, which is crucial for personal and business growth.
For those in a small business or entrepreneurial role, apply this technique by clearly communicating the challenges your business faces. Doing this will attract the right partners or employees who are genuinely passionate about overcoming these obstacles.
Another strategy is to observe how potential hires or partners react to these challenges. Those who show enthusiasm rather than hesitation are usually better suited to handle the demands of a dynamic business environment. This approach doesn’t cost much in terms of time or money but can greatly enhance how effectively you build your team or network.
Lastly, remember that embracing difficult situations and chaotic environments with a positive attitude can lead to higher satisfaction and better performance, both personally and for your business.