Imagine for a moment that an exceptional job candidate is about thirty minutes into an important job interview. The candidate, whom we’ll call Joe, and the hiring manager seemed to have hit it off almost from the start. Joe has nailed every job-related question the hiring manager has thus far asked him. Because the hiring manager has such a pleasant personality and relaxed, friendly manner, she has put Joe completely at ease. He is absolutely certain at this point that he is a virtual “shoo-in” for the job. Then, seemingly out of the blue, the hiring manager asks him this question: “So, tell me about your boss.”

Suddenly, an alarm—albeit, a small alarm—goes off in Joe’s head. He hesitates answering her question for a moment because he is unsure how to answer it, or at least how to truthfully answer it. This could be a “trap,” he thinks. How can I say anything positive about the jerk I now work for? he asks himself. After all, his current boss is the primary reason he is looking for a new job!

The hiring manager, sensing Joe’s hesitation, quickly, and apparently with a great deal of empathy and genuine concern and understanding, adds, “Oh, you can be honest with me, Joe. Let’s face it, we’ve all had some pretty bad bosses in our time, including me. Just tell me the truth. I assure you I’ll understand.”

Whew! Joes thinks to himself, once again relaxing, for a moment there I was fearful that I might “blow it”!

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