[IxDA Discuss] How to hire a good IxD

[Michael Almond]

I am probably too late to post to this discussion, but I thought I would 
give it a try. I found the points of view and opinions to be utterly 
fascinating. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and knowledge.

However, I can't help but to point something out that I think is extremely 
important when reviewing/hiring a new IxD (or any designer, regardless of 
labels or titles). It's a biggy and I'm quite surprised it didn't make the 
list.

What about emotional intelligence? Or to use straight forward language, the 
ability to understand and get along with people?

In my opinion, which coincidentally happens to be factual (it happens from 
time to time, but don't blame me...I don't make the rules around here...lol) 
we are in the "people business." Yes, formal knowledge and skills are a 
given. Yes, presentation is a given. Yes, job titles are as much of a waste 
of time as eye tracking. But they simple demonstrate that someone is "good 
enough" and fits the criteria for a job that is limited in its potential 
from the get go. In other words, you are limiting your pool of candidates 
for a job with inherent limitations that are defined by you!

I suppose this applies to any position, but we lag behind; an employee or 
consultant, whatever, who can speak to people in ways that demonstrate that 
they have a well developed and mature ability to reach and move a diverse 
group of audiences, either on a one-to-one basis or to a group, goes beyond 
"good communication skills." It indicates that they care about human beings. 
Thus they have invested time and energy in developing good relationships. No 
offence to Human Cognitive knowledge; it's important, I know. But I'm 
talking about motivation that can't be quantified. It has to be felt.

If I feel it, I hire that designer with the wrong title and less than 
perfect pitch in a heart beat. They are the ones that somehow seem to break 
through and bring the work at hand to a new and better level. They are 
having conversations with meaning and that is where the future lies.

This is just my incredibly biased, not really factual in the least, belief. 
It comes from my own experience, but mostly it comes from my own heart.

Thanks for letting me share. It meant a lot to me.

______________________________

Michael Almond
Almond Design
phone 415.206.0554
mobile 415.305.0540
fax  415.358.4172

malmond at almondesign.com
www.almondesign.com
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