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I’m a sports fan; there’s no denying it. I love the action – the drama – the excitement – and believe it or not, the interviews. After all, when you have sales in your blood, the post game interviews are when you to hear the real selling! It’s important to remember that during those interviews, the athletes are auditioning and interviewing for their next jobs. So, when a player has had a great game, there’s bound to be some questions asked afterwards. There will be questions like:
- What do you believe is your greatest strength?
- What are some of the things you’re working on to get to the next level?
- What happened on that one play late in the first half?
If you look at the questions above, each one provides an opportunity. Specifically, there’s an opportunity for success or failure, and the answers matter! There are a lot of athletes who can run fast, who are strong and talented, but that’s the obvious part. Most organizations are looking for players who can fit well in a locker room, and be a true asset to the team. History teaches us the right group of athletes supporting each other, and pulling for each other, can do extraordinary things. A team of players will elevate the athletic attributes of each individual.
The reverse is true for athletes with have amazing abilities, but are only out for themselves. The team of players splinter, and collectively the performance of the team underachieves. General managers and owners often go against their instincts, and when that happens, they make the mistake of chasing talent over the team. They’ll pay the price. The athletes, and the agents who help train these athletes, know it. Often the answers to those interview questions allow us to hear if the player understands the importance of team.
- What do you believe is your greatest strength? “I pride myself in being able to adapt and work with others on the team.”
- What are some of the things you’re working on to get to the next level? “With the help of my coaches and teammates, I’ve been able to increase my strength and speed.”
- What happened on that one play late in the first half? “There was a breakdown in coverage. Our coaches have worked hard to help us prepare for this, and we were able to make the necessary adjustments to make sure that didn’t happen again.”
Now let’s move from the worlds of sports to the world you work in. When interviewing with a hiring manager, or being quizzed by a prospective client, the same level of awareness to your answers must be adhered to. In fact, the questions you’ll be addressing won’t be all that different from the questions you see athletes addressing in front of the cameras. You have an opportunity for success or failure, and your answers matter!
- When you are asked about your greatest strength, make sure you provide a response that discreetly mentions your ability to work with others.
- When you are asked about some of the things you’re working on to get to the next level, make sure you provide a response that discreetly mentions others who have helped you along the way.
- When you are asked about some of the challenges you’ve experienced, make sure you provide a response that acknowledges your mistakes, and discreetly mention how valuable those you work with were in supporting your efforts.
Talking about yourself can require a rather tricky dance, because the difference between tooting your own horn, and discreetly blending your appreciation for those around you, can be razor thin. However, if you think like an athlete, and try and limit your use of the word “I,” chances are, you’ll fit in beautifully.
Related: Contempt of Conversation