Effective Interviewing: A New Way to Connect with Stakeholders in Your Business-Part 2
People expose their brain when they speak. If you are really listening, you’ll hear what’s in the background and the foreground (for you and for them). Shifting conversations from information exchange to effective interviewing can reveal company culture, idiosyncrasies, uncover trends, foster company transparency, engage participation and spark innovation.
To Reveal or Unconceal, That is the Question!
An interview, in the context laid out here, is simply a conversation, nothing more and nothing less. And, this conversation has an intention. It is not to ask questions and gather information. It is to either reveal or unconceal. It reveals something hidden. In other words, something that has been unseen/unheard becomes apparent. Think of a bridge hidden by the morning fog. As the fog lifts, the bridge comes into view. By unconcealing, something opens up, something new is created right there in the conversation.
An effective interview will reveal what is there but unseen. It will expose blind spots and assumptions dealt with like facts. What gets unconcealed is what gets created in the conversation. What gets distinguished that didn’t exist but for having had the conversation.
Effective Interviewing can serve multiple functions:
- Expose the Current State: By being clear on what you’re interviewing for, you can uncover the true condition of a team, project, or process. This transparency is essential for identifying where things stand in relation to desired outcomes.
- Measure Progress: The interview becomes a tool to assess the trajectory —whether things are on track, what’s improving, and where challenges remain.
- Engage Participation: When people feel truly heard, valued and understood, they are more likely to actively engage, contributing to a richer, more collaborative environment.
- Illuminate Commonalities: Listening carefully allows you to identify shared perspectives, common challenges, or values among team members, which is essential for fostering alignment.
- Diagnose Misalignment: When intended results aren’t achieved, the interview gives insight into where things went awry, offering a basis for exploring the disconnects.
There are no throw away conversations.
With a created intention, to reveal or unconceal, you will recognize why are you having conversations, so it isn’t just social chit chat. You’ll begin to think from if you ask a question, what will it open up? It’ll shed light on and expose something rather than hoping the conversation leads somewhere. It’s like bumping around a dark house.
The ultimate value of an effective interview lies in its ability to connect people, as well as design thoughtful interventions—strategies that address root issues, tap into untapped potential, and ultimately lead to higher productivity and performance.
THE PATH TO LEADERSHIP AWAITS. ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?
At Leaders Team, we blend our disruptive expertise and mentoring to transform challenges into victories, paving the way for groundbreaking success. Our history of reinventing businesses across North America and Europe, including partnerships with organizations like Canada Brokerlink, Whirlpool, U.S. Air Force, and Hallmark Luxury Care Homes showcases our commitment to meeting and exceeding expectations.
Dive into a world where limitations are dismantled, and breakthrough results await. Whether you’re seeking to reshape your company’s culture, empower your team, or achieve unprecedented business outcomes, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Connect with us for a journey of transformation and empowerment. Reach out at general@leadersteam.com or schedule your complimentary consultation here. Together, let’s create a lasting impact and steer your organization towards a future filled with success and fulfillment. Visit our website to learn more about our services.