I appreciated the reminder that the most insightful voices aren’t always the loudest or the highest-ranking. That really challenges some common assumptions and encourages a more thoughtful, inclusive approach to interviewing.
Thank you! That’s a very important aspect, I agree. It’s especially useful to consider that in group setting (like a team meeting or a focus group), where quite often the loudest or perhaps more confident voices tend to dominate. A good way of dealing with it in my experience is using round robin exercises, where people talk in turns (like clockwise around the table) while everyone else has to stay quiet.
I've found that being honest, and vulnerable, works best. You get to see who values that. And if they don't, you realise it's not the kind of place you want to work at.
Agreed! I always try to stay as true to myself as possible - it makes a big difference when people see you’re a ‘genuine person’ who truly wants to learn about them.
This is pure gold, Andrea, one of the best reflections I've read on creating authentic conversations and genuinely connecting with people. Thank you for sharing your insights and practical techniques so openly.
What resonates most deeply with me is how you're reframing the purpose of an interview from extracting data to cultivating real human connection. The emphasis on listening deeply, noticing genuinely meaningful details, and creating space for people to be real aligns profoundly with my own experience. When we focus explicitly on curiosity, empathy, and authenticity rather than performance, people naturally lower their armor. They feel safe enough to share the truths that matter, rather than the narratives they think we want to hear.
I love your concrete, practical examples for opening conversations and creating those first critical 90 seconds of genuine trust. There's something deeply powerful and human in seeing beyond someone's role and acknowledging the real stories, experiences, and feelings behind their corporate facade. It’s in these subtle yet profound moments of recognition and empathy that coherence truly emerges.
Thanks again for sharing this thoughtful, valuable guidance so generously.
To be up to a 90-seconds talk if these 90 seconds are the only ones you got. That can be difficult. For the brain of an introvert.
Even more so if you had just one question to a stranger. Not 90 seconds but 10. Been there, not knowing what to say, said nothing. Or something random.
Definitely- I am an introvert myself and can say that it takes a lot of trial and error to find a style that is aligned with how you are as well as being impactful when talking to a complete stranger.
I find that the subject matter is a great equaliser - I am fortunate enough to speak with people who have similar interests or drivers to me, which is super helpful in terms of kicking off the conversation in a way that is both comfortable and incisive.
Yes, I can relate! It’s easier to jump in on a going conversation at a research conference when B talks to A already, I can add a little thing, but out of the blue it’d difficult.
A great reminder to create a human connection in an interview situation.
I appreciated the reminder that the most insightful voices aren’t always the loudest or the highest-ranking. That really challenges some common assumptions and encourages a more thoughtful, inclusive approach to interviewing.
Thank you! That’s a very important aspect, I agree. It’s especially useful to consider that in group setting (like a team meeting or a focus group), where quite often the loudest or perhaps more confident voices tend to dominate. A good way of dealing with it in my experience is using round robin exercises, where people talk in turns (like clockwise around the table) while everyone else has to stay quiet.
That's a great idea- an excellent way to give each person a chance to be heard with everyone's undivided attention.
I've found that being honest, and vulnerable, works best. You get to see who values that. And if they don't, you realise it's not the kind of place you want to work at.
Agreed! I always try to stay as true to myself as possible - it makes a big difference when people see you’re a ‘genuine person’ who truly wants to learn about them.
This is pure gold, Andrea, one of the best reflections I've read on creating authentic conversations and genuinely connecting with people. Thank you for sharing your insights and practical techniques so openly.
What resonates most deeply with me is how you're reframing the purpose of an interview from extracting data to cultivating real human connection. The emphasis on listening deeply, noticing genuinely meaningful details, and creating space for people to be real aligns profoundly with my own experience. When we focus explicitly on curiosity, empathy, and authenticity rather than performance, people naturally lower their armor. They feel safe enough to share the truths that matter, rather than the narratives they think we want to hear.
I love your concrete, practical examples for opening conversations and creating those first critical 90 seconds of genuine trust. There's something deeply powerful and human in seeing beyond someone's role and acknowledging the real stories, experiences, and feelings behind their corporate facade. It’s in these subtle yet profound moments of recognition and empathy that coherence truly emerges.
Thanks again for sharing this thoughtful, valuable guidance so generously.
Thank you for this, and for resharing this with your audience as well - I'm really happy to hear it's helpful!
For sure going to use it next time
To be up to a 90-seconds talk if these 90 seconds are the only ones you got. That can be difficult. For the brain of an introvert.
Even more so if you had just one question to a stranger. Not 90 seconds but 10. Been there, not knowing what to say, said nothing. Or something random.
Definitely- I am an introvert myself and can say that it takes a lot of trial and error to find a style that is aligned with how you are as well as being impactful when talking to a complete stranger.
I find that the subject matter is a great equaliser - I am fortunate enough to speak with people who have similar interests or drivers to me, which is super helpful in terms of kicking off the conversation in a way that is both comfortable and incisive.
Yes, I can relate! It’s easier to jump in on a going conversation at a research conference when B talks to A already, I can add a little thing, but out of the blue it’d difficult.