Seven Disciplines of a Leader by Jeff Wolf

Author:Jeff Wolf
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781119003953
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2014-11-24T00:00:00+00:00

A TV Executive Makes a Hiring Mistake

Cora, a recently downsized cable-TV producer with 20 years of experience, applied for an assistant producer position at her local public television station. She clearly excelled in all job requirements, and the HR manager who interviewed her immediately brought her upstairs to meet Tyler, the station's executive producer. Tyler spent five minutes reviewing Cora's impeccable resume and impressive portfolio, and there was no doubt in his mind that she could easily handle the job. But before the interview concluded he informed her that she wasn't right for the position.

“You're overqualified,” he said, dismissively. “You'll get bored in a few weeks, and you'll quit, and then I'll have to start the interviewing process all over again. I'm not willing to take that risk.”

“No,” Cora assured him, “I won't quit. I definitely want to work here. I've always wanted to contribute to public television because the quality of programming is unsurpassed. And frankly, I've been in management for 15 years of my career, and I'd like to work each day without the extra burdens that a management position imposes.”

Tyler said, “Why are you so sure you'll stay with us?” His skepticism was obvious to Clara by the tone of his voice.

“Look, I'm at a different stage of my career, and I think we would have a good fit,” Cora said, making an honest attempt to assuage the executive producer's fears. “I know the work, and I would be easy to train. I'll accept a cut in pay because the job market is tight. I sincerely think we can make this work. I'm just asking for the chance.”

Tyler, however, was unmovable. Clara, frustrated, left the station without the job.

So, did Tyler make the right decision? Not likely, since overqualified candidates can be expected to stay longer and perform better than job applicants with less experience, especially when 10 percent of Americans are unemployed and seeking work. A candidate's willingness to embrace lifestyle changes should not be judged harshly or rejected, so leaders should not impose their personal values on prospective employees and overthink the issue.

It's my guess that Tyler missed hiring what might have been an outstanding TV production executive.

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