Interviews, humility, partnerships

Allow me the liberty of starting with a singular piece of advice – with an associate, friend, buyer, client, or customer always listen and do what you are told (provided it is ethical and legal) because it is far better for them in hindsight to see they made the incorrect decision and allow you the chance to fix it or have them apologize then it is for you to argue and force your will on them, be wrong and have them regret it later. Worded another way – always be humble enough to empower other people by allowing them the dignity of making their own choices!

So many believe one’s personal and business life are so uniquely different – let’s just say I disagree – they are far more alike and connected than many want to admit.



It is said we take more time picking a car or tie than we do a life partner.

• What traits do you look for in a business partner?
• What traits do you look for in a life partner?
• What traits do you look for in a supplier?
• What traits do you look for in a friend?
• What traits are important to you?

Long time friends know I interview people who decide to get to close me and I will share some of what I ask and look for because they are the same things across the line. My suggestions are that you use what is shared you find useful and add you own criteria.

1. Are you a person of integrity?
2. How do you handle conflict?
3. How do you handle stress?
4. How do they talk about themselves and others?
5. How well do you handle responsibility or do you make excuses (do you accept responsibility for the decisions you make)?
6. How loyal are you?
7. How well do you keep your word regardless?
8. What do you value?
9. Are you consistent?
10. Who are your friends and mentors (age in relationship to you and profession)?
11. How important is education to you?
12. What is your work ethic?
13. Do you have a realistic view of your strengths and shortcomings?
14. Do you offer sincere apologizes?
15. What lessons have you learned from your past mistakes?
16. What are your goals?

There are more however this should give you some ideas. This is what I use professionally and personally! Why are these important?

Would you want to do business or associate yourself with people who:

1. Are dishonest
2. Lack a mind of their own (I do not want to be around people who agree with me all the time)
3. Crack under pressure
4. Blame others for everything
5. Are disrespectful
6. Put you down because it inconvenient
7. Makes promises and commitments and never keeps them
8. Are immature
9. Have no desire to improve themselves
10. Are lazy, have little to no work ethic or somehow feel entitled
11. Live in denial
12. Cannot say apologize or even admit when they are wrong
13. Does not accept input even when it is for their own benefit
14. Lacks humility or has an inferiority or superiority complex
15. Never learns and repeats the same mistakes and behaviors over and over again
16. Has no direction or ambition

What do you think?