Making the interview work for you

WHAT is the greatest genuine flattery you can be shown? I'm not talking about creepy praise from subordinates - or from superiors who want you to cover for them. I'm not talking about medals and honours, valuable as they may be. I'm not talking about media coverage of the sort that makes you sound like an extremely boring saint. I'm talking about genuine, unbridled flattery that makes no demands, expects no returns. The answer is: Being asked a question.

Asking questions

When someone asks you a question, especially if the answer involves your opinion, your knowledge or your wisdom, you are deeply honoured. And it doesn't matter if the person asking the question is a five year old child or the Prime Minister. You are immediately keen to reply as well as possible. You look the questioner in the eye and do your best to communicate with them. You are engaging with them. It is instinctively right for you to do so. If you succeed in connecting with them, you will win.