It’s important to bring the right attitude and tone to an interview with a potential next boss. If you get the opportunity to interview your next boss, it’s important to not make the same mistake I made 10 year ago. I had been working at a company for a couple years and had seen a few bosses leave in my time at the company…they all flamed out and I carried the flame while they were there and after they left. When the time came to replace this role with a new person, I went in and told the potential boss that I didn’t know why he was here, he was just going to flame out like the rest of them…stop wasting everyones time. DON’T DO THIS.
Instead come in with an open mind and a helpful attitude. There is a good chance that one of these candidate will be your next leader, so it’s important that you get it right! Ask them their leadership philosophies, ask them about other places they have led and how that worked out. Ask them how they intend to change things and how they will involve the current leadership group. Give THEM time to ask questions, the questions they ask and the way they respond to your answers can give you some really clear insights into how they will be as a leader.
The main goal is to show them that you are key resource for guidance and information. That way when one of them gets hired, you will be top of mind when they need information or want to have help in rolling out changes.
I hope this was helpful! Thanks for being here! Take care!
