“I work because I have to work,” Vicki finally stammered.
“I will accept that,” I replied, “but not for the reasons you think.” A few seconds passed. “Are you happy with your work?”
“Well, yes. I mean, there are days when it’s frustrating, but mostly, I like the work.”
“And your team, do they like the work?”
Vicki winced. “Oh, I don’t know. It’s okay, I guess, but it’s hard work and if it were me, I don’t think I would like it.”
“Then why do they come to work every day?”
“Because they have to.”
“So, your team doesn’t like the work and the only reason they show up is because they have to? And do you think, if you left them alone all day, that instead of working, your team would sit around, play cards and take naps?”
My most important question to ask in any interview is why they are interested in the job. The answer tells me a lot about their interest and passion.