Financial Executives Networking Group Newsletter February 5, 2012 – From Rich Boughrum, Charlotte NC Chapter, Rich writes:
Hi Matt – Here is a short book review / recommended reading list for the newsletter based on my recent preparation for interviews. – I would like to pass on what I have felt is very efficacious input from a few terrific sources. – Best regards, Rich – Richard Boughrum – 714 520 1702 – rlboughrum@gmail.com
Will Read for Work – Reading list suggestions for active FENG members
Interviewing is War – Tip from Gen. George Patton – Patton to Rommel: "Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!"
These five books are on my recommended reading list to sharpen your interviewing skills and win the war.
Transform your interviews into your presentation. Make it clear, not just that you are qualified for the job, but that your interview performance makes it obvious that you are the top candidate for the job by your preparation, organization and presentation in the interview.
Read the books. Know what the interviewers know. Think how the interviewers think. Be able to anticipate any tough questions or tactics. Be the best prepared person in the room; that is who will be hired.
Recommended Reading List – Top 5
The New Leaders 100-day Action Plan
How to take charge, build your team and get immediate results
George B. Bradt, Jayme A. Check, Jorge E. Pedraza
Transform your interview into a discussion of how to begin the transition of the new job to you. This book is my principal resource in interview preparation. I read it and I re-read it. It is my #1 resource to inform my ideas and to inform my presentation of myself as the new CFO and a new member of the leadership team. Be prepared to turn the answer to a question into a discussion about what you plan to deliver. Be prepared to use a one-page high impact handout or two, as you might with your board, as you plan your responses to the obvious questions about the job and about your past performance.
[Follow up comment from Rich: "It is not for nothing you are #1 on my reading list. I admire your work. High quality. Well done. The 100-day plan has completely overhauled my approach to what I want to accomplish in an interview and, I believe, to great beneficial effect. I am now over-prepared to talk about what I can do for you, and not what I have done in the past or how I overcame a difficult person or circumstance in the workplace."]
Start with Why
How great leaders inspire everyone to take action
Simon Sinek
The world is full of companies that know what they do and how they do it.
Vision comes from Why companies and leaders do what they do. Vision differentiates the best companies from their competitors. With vision employees, vendors and customers align with their commitments and their loyalties as they buy in to and believe in the Why proposition. Be prepared to demonstrate how you can contribute your vision and commitment for the new company into the Why proposition.
Who
The A Method for Hiring
Geoff Smart and Randy Street
Beginning with the proposition that a bad hire at the "C" level is potentially a multi-million dollar mistake, prepare yourself for a grueling interview processes. Be prepared when it happens to you, and use your preparations to your advantage when your interviewers do not have the same interviewing skills you will gain from Who. Be prepared, if the interview goes on for hours, to have hours of material to draw upon.
Mastering the Rockefeller Habits
What you must do to Increase the value of your growing firm
Verne Harnish
This is a great "how to" book on setting priorities, using data and establishing a rhythm for dally, weekly, quarterly and annual management meetings of all types. Uses one page strategic plans and meeting agendas to align goals and avoid wasting anyone's time. Be prepared to demonstrate your management skills at their most efficient.
Topgrading
How leading companies win by hiring, coaching and keeping the best people
Bradford D. Smart and Geoff Smart
Topgrading is still a classic on the "rank and yank" attitude prevalent with many "high performance" management teams. Be prepared to be an 8, 9 or 10.
Remember a 6 is really a 2. Be prepared to demonstrate that you are the top grade.
Post script
Interviewing is war. Read the book. Be prepared for a battle. Be the best prepared person in the room.
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