Failing the Interview

These days, the stress level has been high at work. I just ended a rigorous two-month workflow and a new one has just started. Though not as rigorous, the end results of this time period will have a large influence on our future successes. Where the last workflow required that I get a lot of tasks done in a short period of time, this one requires a lot of thinking, analyzing, and long-term planning.

One of my staff members came by my office this morning and asked if they could schedule some time with me. I told them to come in, however, my tone was short and it was obvious that my head was in a different place. When they recognized that I was stressed about being busy, he offered to come back at a later time. I encouraged him to stay. Again, my tone was short. I was clearly letting my staff member know that I had “more important” things to do. I was failing the interview.

The way that I acted was not aligned with who I want to be.

The way that I acted was not aligned with my purpose.

The way that I acted is the reason why I failed the interview.

There was no alignment between who I want to be (purpose) and my actions

Fortunately, the staff member stayed and we had a productive discussion. Shortly into our meeting, I realized that my original actions were wrong. I changed my attitude and started to listen with patience and understanding. It drives me nuts when I act as if I am too busy and I cannot be interrupted. Nothing I have ever done at work has been so important that I cannot be interrupted. However, I assign self-importance to my role and I act as if I am the most important person at work.

I am sure that my staff member noticed my original actions. I feel bad for letting the stress get to me. I really feel bad that I acted as if I was the most important person in the room.

However, I do feel glad that I recognized my mistakes. I will make continue to make corrections so that next time I will recognize that I feel stressed and I will act according to my purpose as opposed to my stress level. If I am to be an effective leader, I have to make sure that I act as if others are the most important person in the room. This is the only way to pass the interview.