April 29, 2019

What is the toughest interview question for leaders?

I hope you find value in this Behind Your Back podcast with Bradley Hartmann. Following is a continuation and message I missed on delivering.

Listen to Ep. 68:: Transform Your Talent with Tony Misura

My favorite CEO/President interview question is “How many 20-29-year-old professionals have you recruited, developed, mentored and promoted?”

It may come as a surprise that this question is quickly rising to the top of my “toughest interview question” list.

What is equally surprising is the number of leaders in their 40’s that fail this test.

It’s simple. The companies with the greatest number of top talented 20-29-year-olds today will be the companies gaining the most share over the next 5 years. While the companies with the least 20-29-year-olds today will be losing share to the aforementioned companies.

What is the key trait to measure? 

Who are the best leaders mentoring and developing 20-29-year-olds? 

If you would like to help your organization develop this skill, consider the following points:

Leaders must understand the WHY:

Losing sales is rooted in a leader’s inability to attract and develop talent. Not only is the leader’s career growth directly affected, but there are many who will be demoted or lose their jobs if they choose not to develop this skill.

Understand the vulnerable leader’s mind:

Rooted in fear of the younger generation who are born as cyborgs, armed with lightning-speed technology skills, while also embracing the facts of their own degradation that comes with aging. It’s a tough blow. A key trait in identifying poor mentoring leaders is those who believe their values are morally superior to others. You have a choice – gain the smartest, most progressive, energetic workforce and earn their trust or hang on to your 1987 values with an average employee age of 57 years old with no succession planning or growth.

What is it that Millennials and Generation Z wants? 

Learn from your employees. Conduct surveys and embrace the facts around their desired culture: community involvement, meaningful work, marijuana policies within the state law, tattoos, body piercings, paternity leave, collaborative team culture, constant feedback, transparent reporting, flex work schedules, mentorship and defined training programs.

Principles by Ray Dalio and Originals by Adam Grant are both great books for helping leaders sharpen their skills at attracting talent.

With every breath keep growing – Tony