Discerning the Quirks from the Jerks
By Brenda Abdilla
Behind every top producer are often some very quirky quirks. Think about some of the most successful people you have worked with in your career, and try to recall their particular quirks. I once worked with a top rep who made all his phone calls standing up. Another used only a certain pen to close deals and would go crazy if someone accidentally touched it or tried to use it. I know of others who have a compulsive need to clear their desks before leaving work and to vacuum their cars every morning before going out on sales calls. Quirks come with the territory when dealing with people in performance-related jobs.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could simply ask candidates what their secret quirks were and have them tell us the truth? But alas, people hide these things from others. Here are a few questions to add to your mix that might help during interviews. (Tip: If you remain patiently quiet after asking the question you might be surprised at what people will actually tell you.):
1. Tell me three things that you are very particular about in your work space or work habits.
2. Describe the most annoying co-worker you have ever worked with. What have former co-workers found annoying about you?
3. Tell me about your worst work environment and why it was the worst.
Finding out about quirks can help avoid hiring uber-quirky employees – people whose quirks require them to argue with every kind of authority, pick their noses or attend business meetings in their bare feet.
Brenda Abdilla is the president of Management Momentum. She founded Management Momentum to focus on a small number companies and utilize her passion for improving sales and management performance. Contact her at 303-456-1210 or www.managementmomentum.net.
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