The Question That Trumps The Answer

2012-01-14T02:42:56Z

"If you know you can do it, then do it."

I honestly don't remember where I heard that phrase. Perhaps it was early in my broadcast career, but I can't seem to place it. It sounds like something about six people I have known or currently know would say, which makes tracing it back to any one of them more of a task.

If you've been following my adventures over the past year, you know that, instead of one full time job (which had been my adult life up to the end of 2010), I've taken on several smaller projects. 2011 wasn't the year my wallet got fatter (and fortunately my waistline didn't get fatter either). But I feel as if I did strike it rich on a personal development level. I was forced to take inventory of what I had learned so far, and make it work out in the "real world," the universe outside the newsroom that most of the world calls home.

I knew I could do this. So I did it.

This particular post comes from my year of trying new things and reinventing myself. Part of the process was applying for jobs, and there was one in particular I applied for that really got me thinking. It wasn't the application...it was the questionnaire. They were good questions with no wrong answer possible. The point wasn't to see what you answered; it was to see how you would answer.

I want to share some of the questions, and my answers. I don't think my answers were that terrific, but I loved the exercise and the thought process it sparked. Attention newsroom managers: If you put the time into it, I would highly suggest you, and really any other manager out there, consider asking candidates the following:

 Compare and contrast the terms entrepreneur, manager and worker.

My Answer: I want to start simply with this: An entrepreneur dreams, a manager motivates, and a worker is motivated to help make the dream come true. It may not be the comparison you’re looking for, but I’m not certain these terms contrast each other. In others words…I believe you can find each quality (and they are all qualities) in the same person. And when you do find this person, you have found future success.

This person dreams, and dreams big. And because it’s his dream, managing the process and the people involved becomes more personal: There’s much more at stake, including pride. So much pride, that entering the trenches and working alongside his team isn’t considered out of the ordinary…it’s second-nature.

 Describe entrepreneurial spirit as it pertains to you. Give specific examples from your career where you met your ideal for entrepreneurial spirit or where you failed to do so.

My Answer: In the past year, I’ve been away from a working newsroom for the first time in my 20+ year career. It’s required a re-invention, of sorts. Over the course of three months, I was able to identify that many of the skills I’d learned in the newsroom were applicable in the “real world.” Skills like branding, programming, writing, creative services, event coordinating, public relations, and media relations prompted me to begin my own business, offering those services to smaller non-profits who contract with me to do as much or as little as they need.

A strong entrepreneur never starts from ground zero: He constantly evaluates past experience, and re-shapes it to be relevant to his current situation.

That being said, it doesn’t always work out. I remember serving as a News Director to a department of 36 people. It was easy to assume the title and instantly come up with different ways of getting things done. It was much more difficult to motivate people to see and embrace my vision. While I’m proud of my management career as a whole, I also freely acknowledge it was the time I learned the most about myself, and about inspiring people around me. You never get 100% buy-in on all your ideas…but eventually I learned you can get 100% respect, which prompts your team to at least try to embrace your vision.

Okay, still with me? Again, there were no wrong answers in this questionnaire. And I'm certain you could have answered in a much more stellar and meaningful way. By presenting this questionnaire, this potential employer was able learn more about me as a person, including but not limited to my character, my disposition, and my motivation. Here's a couple more:

 What one thing don’t you know right now that you’d really like to know? (Any topic – does not have to be work-related).

My Answer: Spanish.

I’m a guy who will try nearly anything. I usually don’t have success with everything I try, but I always learn something about myself by at least attempting success. This being said, there are a few things that intimate me, and those things are much more difficult to try.

While learning Spanish doesn’t sound very intimidating to you, I’m scared to death. It’s not just a way a speaking, it’s an entirely different way of putting thoughts and sentences together. Just imagine the intimidation factor for me: putting a thought together in my native tongue…while eventually striking gold…sometimes bites the dust in the early stages. J

 What is your plan to learn what you need to know about that topic by two weeks from today?

My Answer: Darn it. I should have known this was coming.

OK, I’ll check into Rosetta Stone. But I’m warning you, this might not be pretty.

 Tell the story of your single biggest accomplishment in life. It does not have to be something work-related.

My Answer: 2011.

Personally and professionally, far and away, making my way through 2011 is my biggest accomplishment to date. I’ve won the National Murrow, I’ve helped program award-winning formats, and I’ve created unique shows, but nothing compares to being given the time to reflect, rebuild, and recharge yourself. On so many levels, I’m happier with who I am in 2012, because I had the difficulties, struggles, and eventual salvations of 2011.

 Why did you pick this accomplishment?

I picked it because you want to know me better. You already know I’m well qualified experience-wise for anything you throw at me. You would rather know who I am personally, and I believe being able to be open about a tough year of struggles and personal growth reveals more than any resume. Character counts, or at least, it should.

In this case, the questions easily trump the answer. Whether or not you'd hire me at this point, you have a better idea of who I am.

My challenge to you employers wading through hundreds and thousands of resumes...give us a chance to stand out. Make the effort to ask a question that has no correct answer. Let us answer it, and by doing so, you'll only have to fill the position once.

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