Intuition plays a pivotal role in securing the right fit for critical roles. At The Parnassus Group, we’ve developed proprietary methods to capture these insights effectively. Here are 5 essential tips that can enhance your success in the hiring process:

#1: Tap Into Their Passions 

Encourage candidates to discuss topics they are very experienced or passionate about. Their enthusiasm and knowledge in these areas can provide valuable insights into their potential contributions to the team.

#2: Assess Conflict Resolution Skills

Inquire about their most recent experience with conflict, examining what they did and how the other individual or group responded. This can shed light on their emotional intelligence, communication skills, and ability to navigate conscious conflict with balance.

#3: Probe Deeper Into Concerns 

If a candidate’s answers to questions raise concerns, dig as deeply as necessary to identify the root causes. Look for patterns in organization, personal accountability, and a strong command of critical details.

#4: Identify Stakeholders and Collaborators  

When candidates discuss facing challenges, ask them about the stakeholders they’ve worked with. This insight can help you gauge their ability to collaborate and work effectively within a team.

#5: Test Awareness and Adaptive Capacity

Ask them about the most pointed and direct criticism they have received on their leadership journey, and inquire where they found truth in that criticism and how they integrated it into their leadership practice going forward. Look for honesty and adaptive humility.