Topgrading

DON’T WIMP OUT IN THE TOPGRADING INTERVIEW

Topgraders aren’t wimps, but I observe timidity in asking the tough questions in topgrading workshops.  Probably most of that hesitancy is due to managers just beginning to learn the Topgrading methods.  But mis-hires occur when interviewers fail to ask the tough questions.  In the Topgrading Interview Guide each Work History Form has the same 15 essential questions for each job, and the two toughest questions are:
 
   1.  Question # 8.  We all make mistakes—what would you say were mistakes and failures experienced in that job?
 
Hesitant interviewers tend to reword it to, “Could you have done something a little better in that job?”  That’s weak!  Interviewees sense the weakness and talk about a nice accomplishment that could have been even more successful:  “Yeah, I’m sorry to report that although I exceeded the sales goal by 200%, I could have worked even harder and achieved 210%.”
 
   2.  (Part of) Question #15.  What is your best guess as to what (supervisor’s name) honestly felt were your weak points? 
 
Timid interviewers reword it to, “What would your manager say were your opportunities in that job?”  Weak!  The interviewee can answer honestly and say nothing negative:  “In order to qualify for promotion sooner I could have taken a seminar on strategy.”

Don’t deny yourself crucial insights into interviewees’ shortcomings and weak points by softening or, worse yet, avoiding the tough questions.  Please:

• Look the person in the eye
• Don’t hesitate
• Ask the question directly