The really fun part is deciding on prize! Get creative but choose something that is manageable for you. Some suggestions are adding a person to winner’s organization or offering a training book or training seminar. The contest goal is biggest gas peal for team; prize is just icing on cake!

A critical key to a successful contest is communicating to your whole team details of contest. Then request that ones who are interested in propelling their business and winning a prize let YOU KNOW. This puts milk out for ones who are truly excited and going to do it. You are only putting extra energy into people who are returning energy.

Once you have motivated people from your team on board, let game begin. You may just find contest ignites your fire a bit more, too. You’ll see both businesses take off.

Q. Give me an example of a problem you faced on job, and tell me how you solved it. A. "I try to take a systematic approach to problem solving where I take time to gather relevant data, clearly define problem or goal, then come up with possible solutions. I think it is important to get information and clarify problem first before you start coming up with possible solutions, or wasting other people's time. FOR INSTANCE, when I was at Job "X" ... What kinds of challenges are you currently facing in your department? How tough a position does this put you in? What could ideal candidate do to help solve this problem in his or her first three months on job?"

Q. Describe a situation when working with a team produced more successful results than if you had completed project on your own. A. "Working with others allows you data-mine other people's skills and experiences, get perspectives and ideas that you would not have on your own, and check quality of your own work before it goes out door. FOR EXAMPLE, at Job "X" I worked with many great people. I was able to "pick their brains" -- so to speak -- about effectiveness of various techniques, estimates on how long it would take to get various things done, etc. I would not have been able to do my job as effectively with out them. Will there be opportunity to work in team situations at this job?"

I wish you all best in your next job interview!