Driving in Traffic – A unique managerial Assessment tool
Yes folks, you read it right!!
Like you, I was zapped when I heard it first – from a young brilliant lady HR professional
– who we had placed as Head HR Shared services APAC with a multi billion dollar MNC
– and who in 2 years rose to Head HR for APAC
She is a premium MBA – with over 10 years experience in companies like GE – and now over 5 years in the multi billion dollar – mnc engineering conglomerate
A consummate professional who is is exposed to International best practices
Thus I had to sit up & take notice
Was she joking??
NO sir – she was DEAD SERIOUS – and actually practiced what she was preaching (of course in addition to other established tools).
At an appropriate stage – she asked the potential senior management hiree/employee to take her to a destination (another office etc) – through a route she knew would be full of traffic.
And she observed the person as he/she navigated the traffic
She explained why this works and what she looks for..
When you drive in the midst of heavy traffic:
- You are fully focussed on driving/the traffic – and thus not on guard/or realize that this is actually a test of your managerial abilities/competencies
- You are under stress – and you either get stressed/upset/curse/yell etc – or remain cool & calm (ability to handle stress / stressful situations)
- You have to take split second decisions as you navigate through heavy traffic (decisiveness)
- To thread through traffic – you plan/strategize – change lanes in advance/nudge your way through to get ahead/ in your desired path (planning / strategizing) – do you make abrupt shifts or slowly and steadily nudge your way –one step at a time in a determined sequential manner to reach your lane/position
- Do you push your way through at all costs – getting upset when things don’t go your way or give way where required – but wait for your opportunity to calmly but surely forge ahead – planning/organizing – strategizing + drive & determination
These are just the top line, but you can see just why this can be such a powerful assesment tool.
I am sure you will have more – lets chat! The more the merrier.
