Page 107 - Boost Your Hiring

The Manager’s Hiring IQ Test 93

INTERVIEWER’S QUESTION
43. Give me an example of a time when you helped motivate or
develop a coworker or subordinate.
Which response actually answers the question? Which answer
should you be wary of? Are there any red flags?

(A) “I helped a coworker who was struggling with his workload. I
asked him if I could give him help with his back orders. As we
started to talk, I found out that he was going through a divorce
and that he hadn’t attended the training program on the new
computer system. He was trying to work it out on his own. I
asked if he would agree to work through a few lunch hours so
that I could help him catch up.We agreed on a plan, and for the
next few weeks we met during our lunch hours to bring him
up to speed. His productivity improved, and he was my friend
for life after that situation.”
(B) “As the manager of the customer service team, I have found
that competition motivates employees and they have fun com-
peting. I have tried this various times, and it works like a charm
every time. I always have a cash reward for those who reach
certain goals or plateaus. The morale in the department im-
proves, and the camaraderie improves. It’s a great motivator.”
(C) “My coaching skills are my strength. I have coached several
people inside and outside my department. One rule I have is
that they must try to help themselves first by making an extra
effort. I can sense when someone is frustrated beyond the
point of self-help, and I will try to work with him or her at that
point. I don’t believe in holding someone’s hand, but I will help
if someone is willing to try. Employees know that they can
come to me for answers, and as a result they seek me out.”

I think the strongest answer is _____.