When I interview I am trying to discern one fuzzy fact. When the candidate participated in an initiative, program, and action where did the idea come from? Was it the candidates own or someone else? Does the candidate believe it was his or her making the decision when the evidence suggests otherwise? It isn’t just the “who” behind decisions, choices, and actions that is a crucial determinant, it is the awareness. Does the candidate know why he or she does what they do? How independent are they? Are they merely puppets being played out by a marionette? Could they be a potential source of original thought?
The candidate’s awareness is important. Knowing one is following instructions opens up space for a follow-up question of blind following versus intelligent decision making. Knowing the answer to the question of who control whom is important. A simple question that is often unanswered is this; is the candidate controlled by the job and the forces of work or is he or she responsible for their decisions, actions, and activities?
From my questions and comments you might conclude that I am looking for one of two extremes; those that follow or those that lead. I actually look for both. I do believe in one critical element that both share. The candidate must know why they do what they do.
Jesus when confronted by his adversaries expressed in his answer his self awareness. “I can't do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, then I decide. You can trust my decision because I'm not out to get my own way but only to carry out orders.” (John 5.30)
Good ideas, truth, leadership are powerful. Following, responding, and adapting as one’s own is fine, but only when it is a conscious decision based on a solid foundation. Blindness is a weakness nobody can afford.
I wonder how blind I am to my own choices. Is the God of love, compassion, and mercy at the heart of my choices or something else? Do I know? Today is an opportunity to rediscover the source.
