Comments on: Keys to motivation (plus a really cool interview question)

By: NB

NB — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:53:48 +0000

One question I’ve often asked folks I’m interviewing is, “what’s your favorite movie and why is it your favorite?”. No real right or wrong answer, I just like to see how they respond about why they like it.

By: Charlie T.

Charlie T. — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:43:38 +0000

Sad that so many are so fearful of asking personal questions of and / or recieving personal answers from a possible new team member. In our efforts to eliminate discrimination based on irrelevant factors like race ( the bad kind ) we have lost the ability to learn what we need to know about thier individual goals, work ethic and personality (the good kind of discrimination) to make an educated hiring decision.

By: mike R

mike R — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:01:27 +0000

I think the question is an excellent question, provided the interviewer is able to ask good follow on questions.

I am interested in what the candidate thinks and what motivates them. I ask them, “If hired, what do you see yourself doing in 5 to 10 years and how can working here help you achieve that goal?”

If a supervisor doesn’t understand the goals and aspirations of his/her employees, then he/she will be ill-equipped to influence and motivate. I find all too often supervisors get caught up in the mechanics of managing and have a hard time dealing with the subtleties of influencing. Those managers have high turnover, low loyalty, many hours spent in investigations and responding to litigation, and all sorts of metrics to explain why MEDIOCRITY should be accepted.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:58:26 +0000

I thought the interview question would be interesting to answer to say the least. From a prospective employee view point, it would help to keep in mind the question is being asked in relation to the job you are applying for. The same as “So… tell me about yourself.” You wouldn’t go into a life history except for your experiences pertaining to the job. Some job applicants will realize this and answer accordingly.

Or you can ask the question with verbage that indicates the answer should be work related as Carol Ann suggest.

I’d prefer an interview to stick with job related question and answers. If I wanted to talk about my hopes and dreams, I have a husband for that.

By: HR in GR

HR in GR — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:20:58 +0000

I read the article in a different way than some of you, closer to SS’s take on it. Merely, the suggestion was made that if someone’s dream was to author a book, then there is a definate “clue” that this person may enjoy writing, being creative, and yes, may do good on a report.

I often ask a similar question, “If you were qualified to do any job in the world, what would you be doing?”

I love the responses I get from this, as the answers tell alot about someone, possible work ethic, passions, etc.

I had one gentleman tell me he would be a Farmer (obviously doesn’t mind working hard), another on a School Teacher (we are a manufacturing facility) so I automatically thought “Patience”.
It is when they tell you that the job you’re interviewing for is what they would do, that tells me they are telling me what they think I want to hear…….WRONG!!
Have a good day!!

By: LAW

LAW — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:58:21 +0000

I am amazed at the negativity and comments from most. I’m hesitant to write a comment. Shame on you. These are my HR counterparts.
SS – cheers to you for putting a positive spin on this and seeing the bright side.

By: NMP

NMP — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:43:39 +0000

The question is a great one; however, writing routine reports and writing a book are worlds apart. The want-to-be write needs something creative and expressive not mundane tasks. A smart interview/manager would dig deeper into what motivates someone. Maybe a few follow up questions are in order so you don’t make false assumptions. For example, what work related projects, duties or tasks have you done that fulfilled your desire to be a writer?

By: Kathi

Kathi — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:16:36 +0000

I think the question is a great question. Isn’t the trend to get away from managing and becoming great leaders? Part of being an effective leader is knowing and understanding your employees or potential employees.

The question is not a work related question it is about their passions and dreams and gives you the interviewer a great insite to the charater of that person. People come alive when they can talk about what they believe is special. Since the topic is motivation and keeping employees happy when they are being asked to do more for less this is an incredibly important objective; to help maintain job enrichment and job satisfaction for less money. Remember, money does not necessiarly equal satisfaction.

Leadership also entails flexibility and I think SS has it right; be flexible in your thinking there is a whole lot more going into a job then just doing tasks.

By: Mary D.

Mary D. — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:16:49 +0000

SS: Thanks for pointing out the possible ways to use the information gathered from the question. Good ideas! I sometimes live in a box but, now and then, a flap opens and I can jump out. “Think outside of the box,” wasn’t that one of the terms that made the most unfavorite office term list in another article?

By: cc

cc — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:45:06 +0000

Thank you SS, I agree 100%. This is a great question that I will add to my list. You gave some great examples of how information gathered from this type of question could be used to the advantage of the employee and company for those that can’t think outside of the box.