🎯 Not All Great Contributors Speak First — And That’s OK
A brilliant young graduate recently shared his interview journey with me.
He consistently makes it to the final round with top multinational Financial Institutions firm but dosent get the job.
The feedback?
You don’t contribute or show up enough in group exercises (paraphrased).
But here’s what I discovered when we dug deeper:
🧠 He’s a reflective thinker.
👂 He listens deeply.
🧵 He synthesises inputs from himself and others at the end of his reflection and helps the group arrive at a co-created solution.
🌱 He adds value — just not in the most immediate or visible way.
This got me thinking…
How many brilliant, thoughtful minds are we overlooking because they don’t “perform” leadership in extroverted, quick-response ways?
In reality, the best leaders are not always the loudest in the room.
They’re the ones who can pause, integrate, elevate — and move the group forward with clarity.
⸻
🔄 If you’re a reflective candidate — here’s how to adapt without compromising who you are:
1. Signal your style early: Say, “I’m going to listen first to gather our thoughts, then I’ll offer a structure for moving forward.”
2. Offer value in small bites: You don’t need a full speech. Ask a clarifying question. Help summarise progress. Reframe.
3. Practice visible presence: Nod. Make eye contact. Use people’s names. Show engagement, even when silent.
4. Wrap up with value: Use your strength. Help the group synthesise and propose a way forward.
🔄 If you’re a hiring manager or recruiter — consider:
• Are we rewarding speed over substance?
• Do we make room for different styles of contribution?
• How are we nurturing the listening leaders of tomorrow?
🌍 In a world that prizes innovation and inclusion, we need all types of intelligence in the room — and in the decision-making process.
Let’s expand what leadership looks like — even in the interview room.
🔄 Do you have any experiences that you will like to share? Keen to hear your thoughts.
#LeadershipDevelopment #EarlyCareer #Recruitment #InclusiveHiring #GroupInterviews #EmergingTalent #ListeningLeadership #Coaching #HR #ReflectiveLeadership #AcresPlus #FromCampusToCareer
