Like many parents, Suzy and I volunteer to support the efforts at school. This weekend was no different with our son’s high school drumline competition. There’s the hustle and bustle of the students working about like a field of ants. It is easy to see that everyone has a part in making sure that things run smoothly. From loading up all of the equipment onto two large trucks and unloading them again when they arrive at their destination.  And doing it all over again when the performance is over, every single person has an important role in this process.

But what made things interesting this weekend was observing how some students took on more responsibility than others. This isn’t new, it’s a microcosm of life.  But for me, this weekend provided an interesting punctuation on leadership training. This wasn’t  a study in strength, skill, nor gender; it was about attitude and willingness to step in and get things done. Everyone needed to help but there were those who stepped forward eagerly, ready to lend a hand however they could. These were the ones who demonstrated true leadership skills – something that’s invaluable no matter where you go in life.

It just struck me that everything we do is like an interview, whether we realize it or not! No matter our age or station in life. It’s not about interviewing for a job. It’s a way of life. When we demonstrate hard work ethics, dedication and focus while also showing our enthusiasm for helping out wherever possible, we can make a great impression without even knowing it!

Whether we know it or not, we are constantly being observed and evaluated by those around us, and the way we act, help, and behave affects their perception of us. By treating every interaction and situation as an opportunity to showcase our skills and positive qualities, we can develop valuable leadership skills, make a positive impact on others, and maximize our life opportunities.

So, inspired by this weekend, I want to share some helpful suggestions for leadership development.

Seven Practical Ways to Live as if Everything is an Interview

1) Be aware of your surroundings

Be mindful of your surroundings, including the people, environment, and events around you, and consider how your actions and behavior may affect them. This helps you stay present, focused, and mindful of the opportunities for growth and impact in your interactions with others.

2) Show gratitude

Express appreciation for the opportunities, people, and experiences in your life. A grateful attitude can attract positive energy and build strong relationships, and demonstrate your values and priorities to those around you.

3) Demonstrate helpfulness

Offer to assist others and do so with a genuine and positive attitude. Helpfulness shows your willingness to be a team player and contribute to the success of others, and demonstrates your compassion and consideration for others.

4) Be professional in your behavior

Conduct yourself in a respectful and appropriate manner, regardless of the situation or audience. Professionalism demonstrates your maturity, dependability, and attention to detail, and helps you maintain positive relationships and make a positive impact on those around you.

5) Be mindful of your attitude

Take control of your emotions and maintain a positive, optimistic outlook. A positive attitude can help you overcome challenges, improve relationships, and inspire others, and demonstrates your resilience and leadership skills.

6) Be present and engaged

Focus your attention on the task at hand, and actively participate in conversations and activities. Being present and engaged shows your interest and commitment to the situation, and demonstrates your engagement and focus on making a positive impact.

7) Be aware of your online presence

In today’s digital age, it’s important to be aware of your online presence. This means monitoring your social media profiles, ensuring that the information you share is professional and appropriate, and avoiding negative comments or behavior.

Last thoughts

Acting as if everything is an interview can help you develop valuable leadership skills, make a positive impression on others, and maximize your life opportunities. By being aware of your surroundings, demonstrating gratitude, helpfulness, professionalism, positivity, and engagement, you can make a positive impact on those around you and achieve your personal and professional goals. By adopting these habits and perspectives, you can transform your interactions and experiences, and achieve your full potential in all aspects of your life.