The prospect of presenting can often focus our attention on ourselves and our own perceived shortcomings, which can create an “every person for themselves” mentality. So when a team presents together, this mentality can create critical problems.
In this post, Pete shares his thoughts about how to avoid this mentality and fulfill your role as a team-player.
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Short list interviewing is a team sport, and as soon as you take that on as a possibility, how you relate to interviewing completely changes. Many folks I’ve worked with are more uncomfortable presenting in front of their peers than they are presenting to decision makers. When you embrace the idea that your team is prepping together for a group presentation to decision makers, you can participate as a member of that team. In that process, the whole team helps you define what you’re responsible for, what messages you need to create, and how you’ll deliver them. They’re there to support you, not tear you to pieces. Your job is to fulfill on their expectations.
Fully participate in team prep sessions—and when those sessions end, fulfill on your practice. You’ll be responsible for a message; take independent time to flesh it out and practice it out loud so you feel good about the content, the delivery, and the timing. The group will help you clarify the message and the time you have. Then you make sure you’re ready with your piece so the next time the team meets, you can move things forward and be open to input.
Show up feeling good about your content, delivery, and timing—and intentionally solicit feedback. Ask: “What was good about that?” and “What could be even better?” Encourage feedback that zeros in on specific aspects of your message and delivery. When you work this way, interviewing becomes a true team sport where everyone is united on the end result.
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