From Chapter 15 “Intuition” in Ingredients of Outliers. Proceed with Caution Over the years, I’ve kept a list of things that should make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The following is a sampling of the red flags I’ve collected. Some are specific to the medical profession, but others may be helpful for anyone charged with screening prospective employees. Don't hire anyone who's rude to your receptionist or assistant. Arrogant people rarely improve their demeanor. Laziness and negativity are contagious; eradicate the source or it will infect your entire staff. … [Read more...]
Spot the Red Flags!
From Chapter 15 “Intuition” in Ingredients of Outliers. On the Job If your work responsibilities involve interviewing and hiring new employees, then recognizing the wide array of red flags you’re likely to encounter will make your job a whole lot easier. For example, let me tell you about a recent experience I had with a candidate for a leadership position in my organization. This woman came with high marks from colleagues and friends. I was really looking forward to meeting her, as we needed what I was told was in her “wheelhouse” (a/k/a skill set). Prior to any interview, I try … [Read more...]
Listen to Your Inner Voice
From Chapter 15 “Intuition” in Ingredients of Outliers. In his book, The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals that Protect Us from Violence, Gavin de Becker—an FBI profiler, security consultant, and presidential appointee—describes, in a thorough and compelling manner, the importance of intuition as an early warning system when our safety and well-being are threatened. At first glance, the words “gift” and “fear” may seem like an odd coupling, but de Becker quickly makes his case. In his opening chapter, he writes: “I am called an expert. I may have learned many lessons, but my basic premise … [Read more...]