Why “What Scares You” is a Good Interview Question

A good interview question is, “What scares you and how have you faced this fear?” Or some variation thereof. But only if you’re looking for innovation from your staff. 🤔 Because the armchair quarterbacks and the play-it-safers are not going to be the ones who innovate for your company. 🙅🏼‍♀️

People who recognize and admit their fears, take them head on and purposely put themselves in a position to overcome discomfort are the ones who will lead you to innovation. 🙋🏼‍♀️ For example, I’m incredibly claustrophobic and an introvert. Last year, I put myself in the position to face both of those fears by going on a hiking expedition in Utah, over several days, with total strangers. (Thank you, Shelli Johnson!) The hardest part for me wasn’t climbing Angel’s Landing (one of the deadliest hikes in the U.S., btw). 🤷🏼‍♀️ It was climbing through the slot canyons where you have to take your backpack off because it can’t fit through the slot with you! 🥹 And, it was working with and bonding with women who I did not know - meeting them at the airport, driving with them to the site, and relying on their encouragement and team work during the tough parts.

I came back with renewed confidence and energy that I applied to work. I had new ideas and a hunger to push boundaries even more than before. And I found a rekindled excitement for bonding with my staff.

Facing fears helps us to grow. People who grow, learn. People who grow, inspire. People who grow innovate, and bring new energy to your company.

What fear have you faced recently? And how does it relate to the work you do?