FAIZ SPEAKS

The interview process is the most commonly used gateway to a new hire, but it’s often highly scripted, insincere and as useful as a coin toss. Following are important interview questions to be asked from a potential candidate while making hiring decisions; 1. Suitability. The question:  What were the best six months you have spent working in your career? You want to determine what makes a person tick at work. Does the individual like a collaborative or autonomous environment? Or does he or she prefer thinking, managing or doing? Rarely is anyone good at all three. You need to make sure what the person is happiest doing in his or her career and see if the job description and the work environment aligns with this. Otherwise, there's a problem from Day 1.  2. Grit. The question:  Would you be willing to tell a joke or sing a song? Some people think it’s a manager’s job to motivate employees, but self-determination is hardwired ...

To be happy at work, a greater understanding of one's own nature cannot help but get you into the right workplace. You should certainly be clear about what you enjoy doing, and whether you can incorporate that into your career. But  what  you do is only one element in the equation. Consider also the work context within which you work and the importance or relative unimportance to you of high professional achievement. These may be more important than what that leads you at work. Where do you stand on two dimensions? Do you have a high drive for achievement and career success? Most people would automatically say ‘Yes’, but then not be prepared to go that extra mile or do serious reflection upon how to achieve far more than their colleagues. It’s a crucial question, worth a thoughtful and honest answer. There’s no shame in realizing that vast ambition is not for you -- if it’s true...

Multitasking helps you get more done faster. The only thing is, it doesn't. When you perform multiple tasks that each require some of the same channels of processing, conflicts will arise between the tasks, and you're going to have to pick and choose which task you're going to focus on and devote a channel of processing to it. David Meyer, a cognitive scientist has been at the forefront of research for several decades on how the brain processes information and copes with multitasking. He has investigated the brain's speed, accuracy and memory in information processing. Meyer's work has helped demonstrate that humans have distinct bandwidth challenges, which can make multitasking problematic. It turns out the brain's ability to process information is limited in a variety of ways -- from processing channels to limits on data volume, velocity and working memory -- that confound true, simultaneous task actions. Counter to common belief, you can't do two c...

You need to make sure everyone you bring on fits the culture of your business. Whether you are leading teams at a Fortune 500 company or just starting up, the need to make great cultural hires never goes away. To hire for culture, your interview should not only consist of basic questions centered around values and team work but also more in-depth questions to understand if this person will be a good fit. How do you hire for culture? What types of questions should you ask potential candidates? Basic questions like; What are your values? Tell me about a time you were part of a great team and what made it great? These questions only give you a surface level insights into whether a potential new hire will be a great cultural fit. Following are five must-ask questions to determine if the people you are bringing on will be the right fit for your company. 1. Why do you want to work at this company and what are your expectations? You need to know if people want to ...

HR is no longer just about benefits and administration. It is now an extension of a business’s strategy and has become a business partner that can make or break a company.HR professionals are increasingly expected to be well-versed in analytics and make data-driven decisions. The finance function was also a tactical one that has transformed into a strategic area of the business. CFOs must educate human resource managers so they understand the business, where the company is going, and the challenges it faces in finding the right people and filling the correct roles. They should be empowered to be proactive instead of reactive, especially in today's market, where many employers are struggling to find the right talent. Following are four effective ways CFOs can get involved with HR . 1-Involve HR in corporate planning processes. Human resources professional needs to understand where your business is heading. HR is most effective in strategic areas when it fully unde...

Body language is the most critical aspect of communication. If you want to be an effective leader you must master it.  What can you do to improve your body language? Try these tips: Echoing.  This is sometimes referred to as the Matching and Mirroring Technique. Take note of the body language of the person sitting opposite you and subtly create a similar configuration with your body. For example, if they lean forward, lean a little forward too. This will communicate that you are listening and on the same page as the other person without having to say a word. Avoid the Unconscious Frown.  Many of us, when in long conversations, tend to let our faces settle into the regular, thoughtful lines. However, what seems comfortable and thoughtful to us often times looks like a frown to others. Stand in front of a mirror and let your face settle to see if you have an unconscious frown. Or ask those around you, they’re sure to answer honestly. Try talking with your h...