CEOs Looking For People with Passion

Looking for a job?  Knowing what you are passionate about may not only help you find the right fit – it may also help you make an impression on your interviewers.  

Mindy Grossman is the chief executive of HSN Inc. (a family of businesses that includes the Home Shopping Network).  In a recent New York Times article, Grossman was asked what she looks for when hiring.  Her response included:

I ask people what they abhor in most companies or people.  On the flip side, what are they most passionate about? I’m very passionate.  I need people who are going to be able to make me look at things in a different way.

Just a few weeks later, Joseph Plumeri, chairman and chief executive of the insurance broker Willis Group holding was asked what questions he asked job candidates. Can you guess his answer?

I ask only one question: “Tell me what you are passionate about.”  That’s it.  I’m looking to see if there is anything inside, other than what they do, and how passionate could they be, therefore, about being here.

It struck me that both Grossman and Plumeri seem to be saying that you don’t have to necessarily share their passions – but that you do need to be passionate about something.  When I read their statements I was reminded of advice that I got from a mentor myself several years ago.  He said, “Be interesting to talk to. Have hobbies that you are passionate about outside of work.”

So, how do you discover your passions if you aren’t already able to verbalize them?

• Listen to my audio clip Understanding Internal Energy and the Six Passions and read about the  Workplace Passions in the book I co-wrote with Myron Radio, Change at the Core.
• Check out Tim Kelly’s book, True Purpose: 12 Strategies for Discovering the Difference You Are Meant to Make
• Talk with a few close friends about your interests (both personal and professional) and ask them to tell you when you light up – in other words when you start talking faster, get animated, and yes, even get a sparkle in your eye.  You’ve hit on your passion!

Do you have other tips for uncovering your passion?  Please post your suggestions in the comments box below.

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