The ability to choose leaders when hiring is an essential skill for every human resourced professional or hiring manger. It requires perceptive questioning and listening during the interview process. Look for experience and achievements that prove out the following leadership skills.
Vision: Leaders have a vision for the future. When questioned about achievements, and how they attained them, they resonate with energy and draw you into the situation, making you feel like you were there when they met and solved the problem.
Goals: When you discuss future goals, natural leaders share their plans. They consistently take time for skill building, attending conferences, participating in webinars, etc.
Team Concept: True leaders do not begin every sentence with I – they talk about their teams. Listen for answers that indicate they motivate action – inspiring coworkers to join in the process and creating a sense of team. Do they help others attain their goals?
Delegation: True leaders understand when and how to delegate. They know that giving someone else the responsibility, authority, and accountability to act in their behalf, maximizes your time and skills.
Integrity: Do their answers reveal respect, compassion, and empathy for others? Are they true to ideals? Are they honest about negative situations, yet still extend grace instead of focusing on the fault of the offending party? Does their body language – eye contact, firm handshake – indicate the openness that accompanies honesty?
Communication: Candidates reveal their leadership qualities through their communication abilities. They graciously express themselves with clarity and confidence, regardless of the question. On the flip side, they are also attentive listeners, showing respect for and interest in the insight of others by waiting until they finish speaking, contemplating before answering.
Charity: Are they involved in their community, participating in service projects, local charitable organizations, etc.? True leaders have servant hearts. They not only lead at the office by joining in the work, they also have a willingness to give time and energy to their communities, helping those who are in need.
