by: Fred Coon
Chairman, CEO
Stewart, Cooper & Coon
Ron Venckus, with whom I am working on a new book on behavioral interviewing, constantly writes pearls of wisdom. Here is one of just such pearls and we encounter this so often when working with executives who are confused about the use of “I” and “We” in their interviews. Her are Ron’s comments to me today:
“I was rummaging around and found a note that I wrote some time back regarding, the magical “I” and the magical “WE”. Many eons ago, we were taught to use “we” extensively in an interview. So my mind was saying wait a minute, “I” could not think of anything that did not start without an” I”. As I thought about the use of “I” and thinking of all that you have done in your life, I would say that there is not one thing that you were involved in, that started without the “I” deciding to do something. The exception being physical problems, even then the “I” has to decide to do the rehab work.
All of our work, play etc. have placed our, “I”, mind into the position of deciding to do something. “I” decided what to think about: “I” decided who the WE would consist of; “I” decided why do it; “I” decided what the important points were; Yes, once the “I” mind decides to act, then the “WE” comes into play to bring the something to life. Heck even the “I” has to decide on what role “I” will play as part of a “WE” team. So “I” is not a sin during the interview, but the “I” is skilled in guiding the “WE”.
If you can discover one thing in your work that did not start without an “I”, let me know please. Even if a command type of boss comes to you and gives you an “or else” order, the “I” has to decide how to react to the command. So, let’s encourage our clients to recognize that they are an “I”. It’s all right to talk about the “I” but do not forget about the “WE”. The “WE” is the life of an “I” thinking of something. “I” is the leader and the “WE” lets them lead.”
Great Stuff Ron!
Fred