Walk Into the Future

Category: Team building

Articles to enhance team building.

  • The search for unicorns: Leverage the first-round interview

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    ‘Take risks:  if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise.’

    (Unknown)

    Organizations looking to hire the next unicorn to join their team utilize multiple tools to get the desired results.

    The first-round interview is an avenue to further screen candidates who meet the baseline qualifications listed in a job description.  Organizations make a concerted effort to attract and hire the best possible candidate for their openings.  The preferred method to conduct a first-round interview will vary by organization and industry.  Some folks will swear by the telephone interview while others leverage technology and bring a video element to the first-round interview process.  Enhancing this process may allow organizations to spot and hire their next unicorn.

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    Telephone interviews:

    Yes, there still are organizations that leverage this method to screen candidates.  It allows candidates the ‘convenience’ of selecting a location to chat with interviewers.  This method also provides the opportunity to have documents (resume/cover letter/notes) readily available to refer to during the actual interview.  Candidates do not have to dress professionally for this type process, but it is recommended to get them into the right frame of mind.  Some do and some don’t; this may hinder a unicorn’s performance during the interview.  This type interview does not allow the organization seeking talent to get a full ‘view’ of the candidate.  Emotion, passion, desire and professionalism may not translate for everyone via a phone call.

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    Video interviews:

    Google video interviewing software and you get results for a large amount of available options.  Recommend organizations research the software tools to fit their unique needs.

    Two familiar options are:  Skype and HireVue.

    Skype:

    Skype has been my go-to tool for conducting first-round interviews in previous roles.  The flexibility of Skype interviews allows for scheduling ease when hosting panel interviews.  This process provides a search committee with an opportunity to meet a candidate via a live feed to see their interactions with other committee members.  The candidate can also meet the committee via the live feed and engage them like a face to face meeting.  Facial expressions (good or bad), eye contact, and communication ability can all be ‘viewed’ on both sides of the video feed.  These real interactions can help when deciding if the candidate progresses to the next round in the interview process.  This is also a quick and easy way to gauge a candidate’s ability to utilize technology.  Creating a Skype account and using the software is not a highly complicated process.  This may highlight limited technology skills for the candidate (important if your organization values technology skills).

    HireVue:

    HireVue is a software package that provides organizations the ability to search a deeper pool of candidates.  Organizations can create the structure needed to ensure each candidate’s interview experience is consistent.  This concept can help to eliminate perceived or real bias in the interview process. Candidates receive a HireVue interview request via email with a link to select with a deadline to complete the video interview.  Instructions on computer, camera and microphone capabilities are provided to test run prior to conducting the interview.

    HireVue also enables candidates to try ‘practice questions’ and record themselves with real playback as many times as needed to get comfortable. All candidates are presented with the same written interview questions/situations in exact order.  They are provided time to gather their thoughts and notes with a countdown clock.  Candidates then provide their video recorded response to each question with a scheduled pause between questions.  The recorded responses are compiled at the end and provided directly to the hiring organization (committee) for review and final assessment.  Successful candidates are then provided instructions for the next round of the interview.

    HireVue is another quick and easy way to determine a candidate’s technology capabilities.

    Again, there are a lot of ways to look for and hire a unicorn.  Recommend organizations find a method that provides multiple ‘touch points’ to ensure they are using a platform to bring out the very best of each candidate.  You don’t want to miss the unicorn and bring in a candidate who had a great ‘phone’ voice but nothing more once you meet them for the first time.

    How does your organization find and hire unicorns?  What things can your organization improve in the first-round interview process?  Curious and eager to learn more—thanks!

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  • Relational Transparency – Take your leadership to the next level

    flat view photography of four persons sitting facing laptop on desk
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    “The lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity”.

    (Dalai Lama)

    The concept of transparency within the work environment continues to grow.  Leaders who display relational transparency show they are willing to share information and understand direct reports, peers and supervisors want to be involved.

    The quote above provides outcomes when transparency is absent from the relational process.

    Relational transparency is an authentic leadership variable that highlights leaders should understand the impact their daily interactions can have (positive or negative) within the work environment.  Relational transparency involves the leader presenting their authentic self, which helps develop trust by sharing true thoughts and feelings and displaying appropriate emotions.  Trust develops as the leader shares information openly with all levels within the organization.  Consistency with words, thoughts and actions are staples of relational transparency.

    How can Relational Transparency improve work outcomes?

    • Creates a nurturing environment
    • Shows direct reports they are valued and appreciated
    • Helps build meaningful and transparent relationships
    • Enhances overall organizational functions
    • Should be applied to both sides of a work relationship

    Relational transparency can be leveraged to improve working relationships on multiple levels of an organization.  This process can be used when working with staff members from other departments or organizations.  Building trust when working on committees across the organization will only enhance the ability of the team to meet stated goals.  A transparent leader’s authenticity can be viewed easily throughout the organization because nothing is being hidden in daily interactions with others.

    Leaders must be willing and able to balance multiple relationship levels:  direct reports, peer to peer and supervisors.  Relational transparency provides leaders with an impactful way to build productive working relationships and enhance the overall functioning of the work environment.

    How do you display relational transparency in your work environment?  How would this authentic leadership variable enhance daily interactions?

     

     

  • The Humble Leader

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    The concept of the humble leader sounds contradictory to what most people envision in the workplace.  The traditional leadership view (real or perceived) cast leaders as hard charging, take no prisoner and only out for themselves.

    Humility: the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one’s importance, rank, etc. (Dictionary.com)

    A true leader understands you lead people and manage programs.  Not the other way around.

    A humble leader displays a level of self-awareness within the workplace to ensure growth for everyone.  A humble leader does not seek or need the spotlight to highlight the great work of the team.  The humble leader can inspire better team cohesion, eagerness to learn and a better performance outcome for their teams.

    The process of leading by example and a leader with a humble approach when working with individuals and teams is an excellent example of this concept.  This consistent approach provides a template for others to follow and allows the team to perform knowing the true nature of their leader.

    Humble leaders:

    • Build relationships
    • Listen
    • Enable trust in the workplace
    • Show appreciation
    • Reflect
    • Display authenticity

    A humble leader puts the needs of others before themselves.  This could be a simple process of ensuring direct reports have the tools needed to perform their duties.  Sounds simple but how many times are work assignments delegated with deadlines, but instructions/tools needed to perform are not provided.  The humble leader looks to provide tools needed to ensure overall team success.  They are also not afraid to ask questions to ensure the assignment is fully understood.  Asking follow-up questions does not show weakness but shows the leader cares and wants to optimize time spent on a specific project.

    Being a humble leader does not imply weakness.  Humble leaders are always looking to improve themselves and focus on larger, organizational goals—not just their individual goals.

    A leader is best when people hardly know that they exist. (Lao Tzu)

    What impact does humility have within your current work environment?  How would this concept enhance overall productivity in the work environment?