I was recently reading an article about questions employers could ask, or should not ask, of prospective employees in the hiring process. No, this was not one of those articles that listed what would be considered trick questions, such as “what is one reason we may not like you a year from now”.

One of these legitimate questions that I thought would be very revealing about a candidate for a job is “please compare yourself to a well known leader”.

Three possible answers could follow:
1. The person would not have an answer because they could not think of one. What does that tell you about their world view?
2. They could answer the question. Then if asked to explain why they chose that leader, it would reveal a lot about how they see themselves and how they would want others to see them.
3. If they could answer the question, the type of leader they chose to compare themselves to would reveal a lot about the job prospect.

So yes, I started to wonder. If I was asked that question, by any one at any time, who would I choose to compare myself to? And why?

Even though you may not be looking for a new career I suggest you ask yourself ” what business, political, sports, education, science, religious , military, etc., etc., leader would I choose to compare yourself to”. It’s a great mental exercise that will definitely help you learn more about the world around you and maybe a little bit more about yourself.