Resourcefulness

Before the interview, the candidates were shown a salient audio visual about the organisation’s vision, mission and systems. Next came the announcement, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, the interview shall commence after a 30 minute recess. Till then, please have some soup.’ Everyone began to queue up at the serving table. Even those, who did not want the soup, chose not to be part of a slight.

The atmosphere was one of discipline… no pushes and shoves… smiles flashed around… everyone knew they were being watched and hence the best behaviour was out on display. Bowls were lifted with grace… prompt ‘thank-you’ uttered as the waiter poured the soup… Each moved ahead gracefully towards the awaiting additives… chilly sauce, vinegar, pepper, salt, etc.

The assessment was complete! Everyone who added without tasting and checking out whether the soup actually required add-ons were in hot soup as far as the interview was concerned 

Interviews are conducted to assess competencies and attitude. And in recent times, innovative situations are created to assess the reflexes and responses to find out who is better than the rest. The above case is an excellent example of testing attitude and approach to available resources. In the quest to assess who is better, the ones who fall aside are the ones who use resources without considering whether they are needed.

So often, so many of us use resources in an irresponsible and indiscriminate manner. We use resources less from the perspective of an assessed need and more from the mechanical habit of going through motions without thinking. To BE BETTER than the rest, we must ensure that our behaviour is based on situational thinking instead of perfunctory behaviour. Resourcefulness is a trait born out of conscious responsiveness that arises when the mechanical inclination is overcome.

Unlearn mechanical habits that land us in a mess...

To BE BETTER involve in responsive resourcefulness!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

Goa, India.