The 3 questions I ask all my team members!
Before I start working with a team member (and a client), I ask them these 3 questions to learn more about who they are, what makes them tick, and where they shine. I actually prefer to do this before they start working with me because I don’t want them to skew the results/tests trying to be someone they’re not!
I also want to make sure I’m hiring the right people. Hiring isn’t an exact science, but if I’m not bringing in the right traits to the job, I’m doing myself and the individual a disservice, and I’m probably making both of our lives harder!
Now, please know I don’t make any final decisions about team fit based on these skills + talents alone, but I know my team is better to have a mix of talents, skills, and approaches to working together. And even though I might be hiring them for a job that isn’t a perfect fit, knowing their strengths can help me to identify and move a team member into the right role + direction over time.
No matter where you are in the hiring process, here’s what I’ve learned:
We all have hard days and projects/tasks we don’t like to do. But we still get them done anyway because it’s necessary (I’m looking at you taxes…). But, when 80% or more of the tasks that I love are on my plate, I’m a better boss, leader, and manager, even when the 20% of the tasks I hate need to get done.
If you already have a team, find out the answers to these 3 questions anyway; the results might surprise you!
#1 - From Strengths Finder, what are your top 5 strengths?
Strengths Finder is knowing where your team SHINES! Team members who work in their strengths (aka - their zone of genius) are generally happier, successful, and make your business life easier. The smaller the team, the bigger impact this can make to your team and bottom line.
#2 - Where are you on the Enneagram spectrum?
One of the hottest tests in the creative market, but simply put → the enneagram is just one way on how you see yourself + your inner motivation. If you know your team member is motivated, it’s a lot easier to know how to reward them, too!
#3 - What is your Myers-Briggs result?
The Myers-Briggs is a fun personality test (you can take a version of it on 16 Personalities’ website), and most of us have taken this test at some point in our lives. I use this test to learn more about how you tick and who you are. Are you introverted or extroverted? Intuitive or observant? This tells me more about how you take in information and process it.
I love asking these questions because I get to know the potential team member (and my clients) without even chatting with them, and they get to learn more about themselves in the process.
Between these 3 questions plus my Team Intake Form (you can grab that here!), I’m off to a good start in learning more about my team and welcoming them to the business before they even begin!
Curious to read more about how to lead your team?
Top 6 ways to successfully lead your team
The first 6 things I make every new team member do
My 3 favorite tools for team communication
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