Interview Keeping "Moments of Truth" in Mind

My morning mood was elevated by reading one of Tom Peter's blogs about his mornings and the key ingredient that made them "good." He talks about the server at his local bistro who greeted him in a friendly way and went about her business with quiet competency. And how she started his day off on a good footing just by being who she was, even though he didn't even know her name.

He then goes on to talk about the importance of such "Moments of Truth" in making businesses run better. Here's what he said:

"....business ("life," too, of course) rises or falls on the nature and character of what the great SAS boss, Jan Carlzon, called "moments of truth"—those fleeting moments of true human contact that define our enterprise's excellence—or lack thereof."

In the midst of all our work coaching clients to ace an interview, we probably don't pay enough attention to helping people make a genuine connection with the interviewer. How to do that? Put away the interview "nerves" and the belief that you are being judged and substitute it with a truly collegial attitude - in which the you are identified with the interviewer's pain or challenges and you sincerely establish yourself as someone who can help with the solution(s).

If you lift the day of the interviewer as your day is lifted by every single moment of pleasantness, generosity and caring that you encounter, you will be remembered and (hopefully) presented with an offer.

Such an attitude - that breaks through the superficiality and indifference of so many human encounters - is good in its own right, not just for business. Can you think of a time when you encountered a "moment of truth" and were changed for the better by it?

Comments

[Paul]

Good post Jean - during my job searches I always try and remind myself that the person on the other end of the desk is not out to uncover me, not out to get me, and is a person with their own emotional clouds and struggles. And of course - always remember that they were the ones that brought you in, not vice versa - and are quite obviously interested in what you have to offer. Take care everyone.

[Account Deleted]

Paul, that is a good perspective, that helps get away from the sense of unequal power in the relationship. Jean

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