Unit 2 Inspiration Option 3: Interviewing Project

Unit 2 Inspiration Option 3: Interviewing Project

Arizona State University

Liana Bilicich

OGL 482: Pro Seminar II

Professor Andi Hess

June 5, 2022
Unit 2 Inspiration Option 3: Interviewing Project

“I think you’re great!” This is the most repeated initial feedback I get when asked about

my performance. I say it is most said when asked about performance but just to be clear, it suits

the professional and personal sides. But what does it actually mean? Feedback is something we as

humans can be naturally scared of or eagerly embraced. It really just depends on the type of person

you are and how well you can digest how others perceive you; the good and bad. While it’s

imperative that employees and students receive feedback, it's also beneficial for leaders to ask for

an evaluation so that they may lead by example, believe in self-growth for themselves, and be an

inspiration to their followers. I have conducted a series of interviews with some of my closest

friends, family, and professional connections to reflect on my perceptions regarding my strengths

and opportunities for improvement with respect to contemporary leadership skills and sense of

work-life balance. These interviews have greatly helped me to break down the “I think you’re

great!” response.

These interviews were conducted with three people I feel know me quite well and for a

relatively long time and have general intimate knowledge of how I operate in a professional and/or

personal capacity. The first interviewee was my husband. I chose him because he is not only my

best friend but my harshest critic. After 16 years of marriage, there is no other person on this earth

that knows me better, has seen me in my lowest of lows and my highest of highs, has been my

strongest supporter, and is not afraid to call me out when necessary. If there is an honest

conversation to be had, it will be with him. The interview lasted a little over 20 minutes as we did

get off topic a few times due to external interferences from our children. I recorded our

conversation with my iPhone and used the general interview guide I developed. I analyzed the

information by listening to the conversation multiple times afterwards.

The second interviewee was my ex-coworker and good friend of four years. I choose her

because our relationship began professionally and blossomed into a strong friendship. Therefore,

she knows me on two different levels and can separate when necessary. I feel as though we can

tell each other the truth when we need to hear it which contributes to our relationship. She’s also

a great resource when seeking performance reviews as she is also a fulltime student and worker

with a family. The interview lasted close to 25 minutes. Again, we strayed off task a couple times

reminiscing about previous teammates, leaders, and clients. The problem with having such honest

conversations with people who know you so well is that the conversations can flow so freely that

they get off course. I recorded our conversation with my iPhone and used the general interview

guide I developed. I analyzed the information by listening to the conversation multiple times

afterwards.

The third interviewee was my director at work. I chose her because while she is not my

direct supervisor, she has extensive experience in our field and sees things from an overall

perspective. I feel as though she understands and seeks out certain skillsets in people and can hold

honest conversations about them. The interview lasted a little under 15 minutes. I recorded our

conversation with my iPhone and used the general interview guide I developed. I analyzed the

information by listening to the conversation multiple times afterwards. After completing the third

interview, I noticed a few trends in some of the answers and a few differences. With all the answers

I received, I made sure not to get defensive but instead to listen silently and intently. It’s not easy

to hear opinions about yourself that differ from the way you think you are or act. Throughout this

process, it was important for me to listen to their answers and truly reflect on myself.
Unit 2 Inspiration Option 3: Interviewing Project

What was your rationale in developing your interview guide sheet(s)? What did you hope to

discover?

When constructing my interview guide, I focused on asking questions that would produce

more evolved answers. As I mentioned before, in previous performance interviews, I’ve always

received the same answer, “I think you’re great!”. This has never really helped me in my journey

to becoming a leader. I don’t believe this answer can help anyone. In my opinion, it is an easy way

for leaders to say you’re doing a good job, but they don’t really want to get into more detail. This

could be for several reasons but at the end of the day, a true leader will take the time to have open

and honest conversations about performance, expectations, and next steps. I feel that the questions

I included in the guide provide opportunity for this to happen.

When considering the questions, my main goal was to uncover my progress as a leader thus

far and also how my actions have affected my relationships with the interviewees. When having

these conversations, my interviewees were able to share more balanced, comprehensive, and

constructive feedback with me which was exactly what I had hoped for. I feel as though these

questions helped my interviewees to provide a more holistic picture of my performance and place

premise of my future possibilities and abilities.

How comfortable did you feel listening to the feedback in your personal and professional

interview(s)?

I had a high level of comfortableness while listening to the feedback in my personal and

professional interview. I have always been one to take pride on being an outstanding member of

my organization, family, etc. I work hard and show up for others no matter the situation. I do not

like to break rules or create bad friction in my workplace or home. I stay in my lane and work hard
Unit 2 Inspiration Option 3: Interviewing Project

to get the most productive results. (This is what I gathered from my interviews and from my own

beliefs) Because of this, having these kinds of conversations do not make me uncomfortable as I

am quite confident in my actions and performance as a human being. That is not to say that I do

not have things to work on, because obviously, I do! I enjoy receiving feedback and genuinely

look for ways to better myself.

I was most comfortable interviewing with my husband and ex-coworker/friend. To be

completely honest, I think when speaking with people you are close to, it’s a little more difficult

to trust if they are being completely transparent with you. I think we are tempted to “sugar coat”

things in order to keep the relationship light and easy or to avoid hurting feelings. However, this

is precisely the reason I chose who I chose. I knew that these two people would be clear and open

with me because they want to help me and encourage me to grow. It wasn’t as easy to listen to my

director since we are not super close, and I’ve only been with my current organization for a year.

However, regardless of my level of comfort with my director, I felt as though I listened more

intently with her because of the fact that she is my superior. I also consider her feedback more

important in a professional sense. It also helps that we are not that close so no fear of hurting

feelings or inability to be completely transparent.

What did you learn about yourself as a result of this process?

These interviews were beneficial in that I learned quite a few things about myself I hadn’t

previously noticed or perhaps was reluctant to acknowledge. What stood out the most is my ability

to persist against any situation. For me, the fact that others can see this attribute means a lot. From

a very young age, I always approached situations and tasks with persistence because I loved the

feeling of being accomplished and reaching a goal. It’s special kind of feeling. I also like to be
Unit 2 Inspiration Option 3: Interviewing Project

acknowledged for my accomplishments, but I do not necessarily need to be in order to attain that

feeling. My persistence has contributed to my development as a leader as I continue to strive for

excellence in myself and in others. It appears I do not settle for mediocrity. This was also evident

from the DiSC assessment I previously took which explained that I am an SC (Steadiness and

Compliance). I am a fair-minded leader that provides reliable outcomes through steadiness and

consistency, and I work well with others who do the same.

Were there any surprising results from your interviews? Explain?

Surprisingly enough, I was shocked at few answers my husband had for me. His answer to

the question, What skills do I have that you believe I could use more effectively? Caught me off

guard. He said that I do not manage my time wisely at home. I followed up with the prove: What

areas am I spending too much of my time on and what areas should I focus more time on? He went

on to say that when I am home, I seem to get distracted easily and somewhat lazy in a sense. He

feels that while I am a high achiever at work, I take the back seat at home. Of course, only he

would be able to provide such an answer since no one else aside from our children know what I

am like at home. It was difficult to hear him say out loud but I do understand where his opinion is

coming from, especially as of recent years. For many years, I went above and beyond for my family

at home doing things that made them smile wider or laugh harder. I still try to do these things, but

it is more muted these days as I am exhausted. Courses like these come with a heavy course load

and when you add in a fulltime job and a family, things start to feel overwhelming. I now take my

time with things and do not stress over being perfect or over the top at home. If everyone is happy,

I am happy. I follow strict guidelines and deadlines at work, so at home, I do the opposite and go

off course if I can. I can see how this can affect my husband and homelife.
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How will you think differently, and what will you do differently, as a result of this assignment

(self-monitoring, working on developing certain skills, etc.)?

Considering what I mentioned above about not managing my time wisely at home, I will

be more cognizant of this. I must remember that I cannot fully put things off at home and that I

still have responsibilities at home. I think it’s also good to stay in a consistent rhythm in life. From

a more professional standpoint, moving forward, I will need to work on involving myself in harder

decisions and projects. I’ve always known that I like to shy away from confrontation and difficult

decisions, but these interviews made it clearer that it is something that I must work on. My director

mentioned that while I shine at collaboration and creativeness, I tend to stay in the background

when it comes to major decisions or more detailed projects. She isn’t wrong. There are parts of me

that are resistant to change and new challenges and when put in the spotlight, I shy away even

more so. This is conflicting as I feel confident in my abilities but unsure when a decision or

responsibility lands solely on myself. This has made me realize that there must be some sort of

imposter syndrome I am experiencing. I do not feel secure enough in my decision-making and

problem solving. This is funny because decision-making and problem solving are on the list of

skills I included in my EP. In some form, this is true because it is a skill, I obtain but it is clear to

me now that this is also a skill that needs to be fine-tuned.

How does what you found out pertain to your leadership style?

Prior to conducting these interviews, my leadership style was transformational and

democratic. I still believe this holds true after the interviews. As a democratic leader, I believe in

distributing responsibility among all team members, empowering them, and assisting in the

group’s decision-making process. Some attributes of a democratic leader are adaptive, engaged,
Unit 2 Inspiration Option 3: Interviewing Project

forward-thinking, team-orientated, fair-minded, and consensus builders. I feel that I demonstrate

these attributes daily in my professional and personal life. With my family, I engage and take deep

interest in their lives. I do this to not only maintain strong relationships, but so that I can be their

support system when they need me most. I also provide the tools to empower them in their own

lives. We make decisions together as a family and I stay neutral in sibling disputes. In my

professional life, I keep my team close and on the same page by being transparent, remaining fair,

and being inclusive of everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

As a transformational leader, I tend to focus less on making decisions and more on

promoting organizational collaboration that can help advance a unified vision. It’s important for

me to remain open-minded, practice self-awareness, be adaptable and proactive. After considering

the answers from my interviewees, I understand that I can work on certain attributes such as

adaptability. I’ve always considered myself to be an adaptable person, especially because I am a

military spouse. I have gone through 16 years of the Marine Corps changing my plans

unexpectedly. I think what would be best is for me to build on this skill but also be more open-

minded to the changes. I tend to be a bit resistant and snobbish at unexpected change. This is

evident in my interviews and self-reflection.

INTERVIEW GUIDE SHEET

1. What areas do I excel in?

a. Can you provide a specific example/ situation in which I demonstrated this skill/area?

2. What skills do I have that you believe I could use more effectively?

a. What areas am I spending too much of my time on and what areas should I focus

more time on?

3. What type of career growth do you think is most important to me?

4. What (if any) concerns do you have when it comes to giving me feedback?

a. How can I alleviate those concerns?

5. What can we do to improve our relationship?

6. Share an example of a company value or shared personal value I have brought to life.

7. What are three or four words you would use to describe me?

8. How well do I adapt to changing priorities?

Appendix

1. What areas do I excel in?

1.1. My husband felt that I excel in many areas but specifically areas such as organization,

delegation, and creativity. He also felt that I spend a lot of effort in ensuring everyone

involved in included and happy.

1.2. Co-worker/friend felt that I excel in communication most because I am really good at

reiterating communications and utilizing different styles of communication. My

communication style is calm, professional, yet effective. This is based off experience

working in teams together and having to work with other departments.

1.3. Director felt that I excel in many areas, particularly in teamwork. She has noticed from

day one that I am very involved in my team and make it a point to ensure everyone’s

voice is heard and included in decisions. “You never make a decision that involves the

team, without the team.” I also am the first one to fill in when other teammates cannot.

a. Can you provide a specific example/ situation in which I demonstrated this skill/area?

a.1. (Husband) “Look at this house!” I manage so much in my life and the

house and family is one example of how well organized I am. Every person

in this family understands their duties and knows to keep on top of them.

They all pitch in because I taught them to be that way.

a.2. (Co-worker) A situation at work was brought up to explain this answer

further. I had an event that included multiple outside planners. Because

there was so much going on, with little-to-no communication on their end, I

had to make sure each of our departments were on the same page. I did this
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by triple checking everything with each department through email, phone,

or in person. I made sure everyone had the most up to date, correct,

information regarding the event.

a.3. (Director) When planning the team outing, I made sure to send out a

poll for best dates and interests so that every person had an opinion on

where/what the outing should be. I considered everyone’s availability and

individual interests.

2. What skills do I have that you believe I could use more effectively?

2.1. My husband felt that I could use time management more effectively. My job requires me

to follow specific processes and so I should use that skill at home. He also mentioned

that I should be more confident in my decisions and abilities. Apparently, it takes me a

long time, with much thought, into making a simple decision.

2.2. My co-worker felt that I could probably spruce up my technical skills. I am resistant to

technical changes and have an attitude about having to learn new software and

equipment. I miss out on being technologically advanced because of it.

2.3. My director felt that I should use my conflict management skills more effectively. She

sees me work great within my team but knows that once conflict arises, I take the back

seat. I should focus on taking my other great skills such as communication and listening

to further develop conflict management. This will help when dealing with hostile clients

as well.

a. What areas am I spending too much of my time on and what areas should I focus

more time on?

a.1. (Husband) I am spending too much time on details, and I should be focusing

on movement. I can spend all day long planning the most miniscule details for any

project and forget to get things going. I plan but am slow to make moves.

a.2. (Co-worker) I spend too much time perfecting things. I once spent over 20

minutes on a charcuterie display because it was off balance (in my own opinion), and I

failed to make sure the other stations were good to go. I need to be able to spread my

attention evenly so that nothing is missed.

a.3. (Director) Not sure what areas have the most attention but I should focus

more on making difficult decisions solo and with more urgency. It is noticed that I

contemplate more than I should, almost like I am not listening to my inner self.

3. What type of career growth do you think is most important to me?

3.1. My husband felt that I want a position of power and I always have strived for this. He

knows how I was raised and what the main motivators are, money and position. I’ve

always taken the jobs that offer the most money regardless of the work-life balance or

actual work it entailed. He thinks that I am solely focused on this and that I am not

entirely sure what brings me joy because of it.

3.2. My co-worker felt that I want to oversee something. It doesn’t have to be big or involve a

large amount of people to oversee, but I must be at the top. I want to be the one people

go to for advice, guidance, and information. I want to be “momma-bear”.

3.3. My director said she sees that I want to learn everything about the property and the

clients we work with. She knows it’s important to me to be well-informed and

knowledgeable. Career growth for me would be knowledge-based. She also sees a bit of

a competitive side to me.

4. What (if any) concerns do you have when it comes to giving me feedback?

4.1. My husband felt that there were no concerns aside from me taking his words personally

instead of constructively. He knows I can be self-conscious at times and hoped that he

could put those fears to rest.

4.2. My co-worker did not have any concerns. “You know I will tell it to you straight.”

4.3. My director hoped that I would take her feedback constructively. She was also impressed

that I even went to her with the interview. She said it revealed a lot about my character

and my dedication to bettering myself as a leader and professional.

a. How can I alleviate those concerns?

a.1. (Husband) I must be open-minded and let him finish his full sentences. Do not

get defensive and pause to reflect when necessary.

a.2. (Co-worker) No concerns

a.3. (Director) Two-way street. Be open and honest with her as well.

5. What can we do to improve our relationship?

5.1. After 16 years, the road has been bumpy, but we’ve learned a lot about each other. We

should continue to be honest and respectful with each other and know when to be

sensitive. We must continue to make each other laugh and be the best supporter we can

be when things get tough.

5.2. My co-worker felt that we should continue to have sincere conversations about what is

going on in our professional and personal lives. She wanted me to know that she

admired my ability to shake things off and get things done.

5.3. My director said there was nothing to improve but only to maintain. She knows that

these types of relationships can be intimidating but that she was there to be the best

leader she can be for me. In turn, she would like to know that I will remain open and

honest with her and continue to do my best work.

6. Share an example of a company value or shared personal value I have brought to life.

6.1. My husband is impressed with my focus on work-life balance. In previous years, this was

never a concern, and I spent a lot of time away from home. He felt that I had wasted many

years with organizations that did not appreciate my work ethic or that would take

advantage of it. My priorities have shifted and dedicate myself appropriately.

6.2. My co-worker said that she shares the common value of accountability. She can’t stand it

when certain standards are held to some but not to all and she knows that I feel the same.

When we worked together at our last organization, we saw a lot of favoritism and zero

accountability amongst other teams. For our own teams, we held everyone accountable,

good, or bad.

6.3. My director felt that I do a great job of delivering quality. Quality customer service,

events, and teamwork. She can see that I want to do the most for everyone, so I do not

settle for less. My clients enjoy working with me because I make them feel heard and

excited for their events.

7. What are three or four words you would use to describe me?

7.1. My husband used the words creative, positive, and diligent to describe me. (He also said

beautiful and while that is sweet, it is not relevant) He thinks I have an eye for things and

how to make them even better or more useful. He likes how innovative I can be when

planning or working around issues. I may catch the occasional attitude when things don’t
Unit 2 Inspiration Option 3: Interviewing Project

go my way, but it never lasts long as I’m quick to get over things. He is very proud of the

fact that I am graduating in a few weeks. I’ve gone back and forth on finishing this

program and it has taken me 10 years to get, but I stuck with it no matter the obstacle, and

now I’m done.

7.2. My co-worker says I am kind, attentive, studious, and funny. I always know how to lighten

things up when they get dark. She knows how much work goes into pursuing a degree and

she applauds my diligence in finishing with a good GPA.

7.3. My director says I am reliable, creative, generous and a ninja. She laughed as she said

ninja because she couldn’t think of a better way to explain that I am silent, but I get things

done. I wondered if it had to do with the fact that I always wear black! She said I’m reliable

in getting my work done but also for the team. I’m creative because my custom menus are

fun and elevated, and clients love them. Generous because I am always thinking of others

before myself.

8. How well do I adapt to changing priorities?

8.1. My husband says I adapt well when the changing priorities don’t change things too much.

I work best with slight changes and not major ones. I do not freak out or overreact, but it

does take a little bit for me to accept and work through the changes.

8.2. My co-worker says I do pretty well, as long as it doesn’t have to do with technology. Then

it becomes an issue.

8.3. My director says I do well with this, and she has never noticed any resistance or hesitation.

In conclusion, this interview project has shed light on many aspects of myself I had not

previously considered. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to dissect what “I think you’re

great!” really means and what I should do with it. I do not see myself as a traditional student being
Unit 2 Inspiration Option 3: Interviewing Project

that I am a little older and have been pursing my career for quite some time now. It is interesting

to be able to take a step back and reevaluate myself as a leader. For this reason, I have included

this project in my EP. I feel that my EP is a 360 of myself as a developing leader and professional

and I want to be able to showcase my development.