Expecting the Unexpected in an Interview: How to Stay Prepared
In the late 1970s, Herb Kelleher, co-founder of Southwest Airlines, was interviewing a candidate for a key position within his company—a role that would help shape the airline's future. Kelleher was known for his unconventional approach to business, so it was no surprise when, during the interview, he posed an unexpected question: "What would you do if a competitor slashed their fares tomorrow?" The candidate, taken aback, paused only briefly before delivering a strategic answer that impressed Kelleher. The question wasn’t just about pricing strategies but the ability to think on one’s feet and lead decisively in a rapidly changing industry.
Kelleher’s question highlighted an essential truth about the airline industry: you must always be ready for the unexpected. As an executive, your ability to handle surprises and think strategically under pressure is crucial—not just for the role but for the company's future. Here’s how to prepare for the unexpected in your next interview, turning surprises into opportunities to showcase your leadership.
1. Be Flexible
Flexibility is key in the airline industry, where things can change in an instant. The same goes for your interview. Be ready for anything—whether it's a different interview format or unexpected questions. Show that you can adapt your thinking and stay focused, no matter what comes your way.
2. Focus on Leadership Skills
As an airline executive, your leadership skills are crucial. While you can’t predict every question, you can be ready to discuss your ability to lead teams, manage crises, and drive growth. Keep your leadership experiences in mind so you can answer confidently, even if the questions are unexpected.
3. Think Fast and Stay Decisive
In the airline industry, quick decisions are often required. During your interview, you may be asked to solve a problem on the spot. Practice thinking through complex scenarios and be prepared to explain your decision-making process. This shows you can lead effectively under pressure.
4. Share Your Success Stories
Stories are powerful, especially when they highlight your leadership in challenging situations. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve handled unexpected challenges, whether dealing with a crisis or seizing a new opportunity. These stories can help you stand out in the interview.
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5. Keep Your Cool
Staying calm under pressure is essential in aviation. If you’re faced with a tricky question, keep your composure. How you handle these moments can say much about your ability to lead in a high-stakes environment.
6. Turn Surprises into Opportunities
Unexpected questions can be a chance to showcase your strategic thinking. If you’re asked about a sudden industry change or a complex problem, use it as an opportunity to demonstrate how you would lead the company through it. Show that you’re proactive and forward-thinking.
7. Be Ready for Visionary Questions
As an executive, you’re expected to think about the future. You might be asked about your vision for the airline industry or your company. Stay informed about industry trends and be ready to share how you would position the company for success.
8. Ask Insightful Questions
Your questions matter, too. If something isn’t clear, ask for more details. Also, prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s strategy, growth plans, or challenges. This shows you’re serious about the role and deeply understand the industry.
Conclusion
Just as Herb Kelleher sought leaders who could adapt to unforeseen circumstances with strategic agility, today's airline executives must be prepared for the unexpected. By embracing flexibility, thinking strategically, and remaining calm under pressure, you can demonstrate the kind of visionary leadership that the airline industry demands. Expecting the unexpected isn't just a necessity in aviation—it's the standard that separates good leaders from great ones.
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Accomplished Leader in Multi-Functional Team Management | Expert in Business Process Optimization and Innovative Solution Implementation | Driving Organizational Success
6 个月Great article Stephen, thank you. There's never a dull moment in the airline industry!
Sales Leader I Aviation Supply Chain & Asset Management I Global Mindset I Veteran
6 个月Great article J. Stephen Jay, thank you for sharing. I really liked points 6 and 8. If you've made it to the interview stage, any chance to shine and break yourself out of the pack is a wonderful opportunity. A chance to show how quick you are on your feet, and turn that surprise into opportunity, is a welcome one. Closely aligned is the opportunity to ask insightful questions. Besides being a chance to demonstrate critical thinking, it is also a great strategy to buy yourself a little more time to think of the best response.
Senior Supply Chain & Procurement Leader | Driving Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Value Management, and Sustainable Operations | Veteran with Proven Global Impact
6 个月That’s really insightful! Years ago, during an interview, I was unexpectedly asked, "Why is a manhole cover round?" The question completely threw me off since it seemed unrelated to the position I was applying for—or so I thought. At the time, I had no idea how to answer and admitted as much. When prompted to guess, I simply responded that it might be round for safety reasons. Despite moving on to other questions, I couldn’t shake the thought of the manhole cover question. When it was my turn to ask questions, I had to bring it up again. I wanted to know the reason behind asking it. The interviewer’s only response was, "I just wanted to see how you’d respond." At that moment, my interest in the job waned, and I wasn’t offered the position. Later, I realized that the question was meant to gauge how I thought on my feet and handled unfamiliar situations. That experience, back in 2000, taught me a lesson I’ve never forgotten.