Every Day Is A Job Interview

How hard would you work today if you knew that keeping your job was dependent on the value you contribute?

Imagine that there is going to be a fifteen minute exit interview at the end of the day, and in this interview you are going to have to account for all of the things you created, how you spent your time, decisions you made, how you handled relationships, and the value you contributed to the organization’s cause. If you can adequately make a case for it, you get to come back tomorrow for another day in your role. If not, you need to get your resume in order.

If that were the case, how hard would you work today?

And the obvious follow-up question is, are you working that hard today anyway?

If not, why? You only have one opportunity to spend your life. One. Are you using that opportunity today to contribute value, or are you simply passing time and deferring your life until tomorrow? Are you too concerned that what you’re doing doesn’t “fulfill” you in some way or that it doesn’t provide you with enough accolades, or are you plugging away, secure in your abilities and identity, knowing that your ability to be a person of integrity in your work has nothing to do with the recognition of others?

The reality is that every day is a job interview. With yourself. Would you hire you?

(Photo credit: khawkins04)

Todd Henry

Positioning himself as an “arms dealer for the creative revolution”, Todd Henry teaches leaders and organizations how to establish practices that lead to everyday brilliance. He is the author of five books (The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, Louder Than Words, Herding Tigers, The Motivation Code) which have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he speaks and consults across dozens of industries on creativity, leadership, and passion for work.

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6 Comments

Steven H on October 4, 2010 at 11:29 am

I think a big problem is that people aren’t intrinsically motivated to do a good job. As long as they put in in the bare minimum it takes to get the next pay check – that is all that matters. It is an unfortunate state of our economy, but most aren’t concerned about being productive or valuable.

Good post – I think it should ruffle some feathers of those who need to re-consider what their purpose is.
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- Todd Henry on October 4, 2010 at 3:29 pm
  
  Agree Steven. It’s something that I’ve been striving toward in my life. The question “would I hire me?” is one I’m trying to answer every day.
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stephanie on October 4, 2010 at 4:26 pm

Todd,
I get your thought here, and I think it is a good one.
What I think about work is what I think about life, “do all things as if you are doing them unto the Lord:.
I would rather couch this entire concept “spiritually” and have an exit interview with God everyday and look at my entire day, not just “work place”.
Thanks for the comments and thoughts.
Keep them coming.
Steph
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- Todd Henry on October 4, 2010 at 4:33 pm
  
  For those who have a sense of accountability like that, great. I also just think that a basic “am I hitting my marks?” is an important self-discipline to develop. At least it’s one I’m working on and encouraging those around me to as well.
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stephanie on October 4, 2010 at 6:06 pm

agreed.

I am hoping you are ok if I lift a couple of you concepts and comments and use them with my staff team?
I will give you credit!

thanks,

ps…love the PIP too. are you selling them somewhere local to cut the shipping fees out?
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- Todd Henry on October 5, 2010 at 8:14 am
  
  You’re welcome to share any ideas you want. Thanks for asking.
  PIPs are available only through the site right now, though we’re looking at a retail strategy for them and for other AC products launching in the near future.
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