Would you pass the airport test?
The airport test is an informal interview technique used by hiring managers across consulting, tech, finance, etc to evaluate a candidates likability and cultural fit.
Essentially, they are trying to answer:
"Would I enjoy being stuck in an airport with this person or not?"
Companies understand the importance of soft skills in the workplace. It's not all about your technical know-how and certifications. Can you work well with people? Can I put you in front of a client? Will you be additive to the culture we're trying to build?
Ultimately: are you a fun hang?
One of the main reasons why people tell me they come to my Improv classes is because they have been told that "soft skills" or "EQ" have held them back in their careers. They usually have deep knowledge in finance, tech, accounting, etc, but they know they need to develop this whole other set of softer skills in order to get to the next level.
So, how do you develop these skills?
We run through a variety of exercises to help build applicable skills in real time. Improv isn't theory based. Every concept is immediately put into action. At it's core, "soft skills" are essentially how well you are able to connect with others and make people feel good about you being around.
People like to feel heard. One exercise we do is "1-minute story" where we partner up with a stranger and listen to a story of theirs (recent holiday, eventful day at work, etc) for only a minute. Then the listener presents the story in front of the class as if it's their own. This is an action packed drill on forcing you to listen intently for key details, ensure you are absorbing everything you are hearing. Then, we get critical practice as a presenter, where we aim to be authentic and believable in our speech to the class with a story that isn't our own.
It's incredible the growth that comes from this drill. Immediately we learn what it feels like to truly listen to someone with full intent and put ourselves in the shoes of their story. We learn empathy, storytelling, and presenting skills all in a few minutes.
And we develop those critical skills needed to make an executive feel comfy that if they're stuck in a layover at an airport Starbucks, you won't be an absolute weirdo.
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5moVery informative. 👍🏻