We all know Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.  If you haven’t read it lately, take another look.  The first habit, “Be Proactive” is universal – it applies to everything we do. 

The second habit, “Begin with the End in Mind” has wonderful applications to hiring.  Combining the two habits, being proactive and beginning with the end in mind, will enable you to envision what the performance of the candidate will be when he or she is succeeding in the job.  Most hiring managers focus on the past.  If you also focus on the FUTURE – looking at the ideal state – the right person performing at optimum, and having accomplished what you want done, you can design the job and the evaluation process much more effectively up front. 

By defining the objectives for the position, the clear, tangible measurable outcomes you need from the new hire, you are beginning with the end in mind.  Then, when you ask about the past, it will be in the context of getting to your desired “end” – the results you need.  Your questions will be more focused, and the answers you get from candidates will be more meaningful.  For more on how to do this, look at our Performance Based Search System, or better yet, give me a call!