What do I look for when hiring?
Skill and will.
Skill is easy to assess; will is more difficult. Here's what I mean...
For skills I can ask:
"Tell me about a time when you did [necessary skill]."
For will, I follow the Jack Welch model of 4E's and a P for leaders:
Energetic
Brings positive attitude and work ethic each day
Energizer
Gives positive energy to others
Edge
Decisive, doesn't overanalyze and trusts gut
Execution
Gets it done, no excuses (as Yoda said, "Do or do not. There is no try.")
Passion
Curiosity and a personal growth mindset
Here are some of my favorite questions to ask to better understand someone's will:
- What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career (or life in general for entry level)?
- What's the most difficult thing you've ever done?
- Tell me about a time when you had to learn something new.
- Tell me about a time when you failed at something.
- What's the most challenging situation you ever dealt with at work? How did you handle it and what was the outcome?
- Tell me about a time when you set a goal and achieved it.
You can teach skill. Can't teach will.
What are your go-to questions for assessing a potential team member's will?
