Dr. Kathrin Hamm is the founder and CEO of Bearaby, an award-winning sleep-wellness company known for its knitted weighted blankets.
From personality tests to Myers-Briggs assessments to multiple rounds of interviews, task assignments, peer interviews and even enlisting expert advisors, there’s no shortage of talent recruitment strategies to choose from. But when it comes to finding talented individuals who fit your company culture, the best results can begin with something much simpler: playing games.
For startups, effective interview strategies are an essential element of successful expansion. When I started my company, the popularity of our weighted blankets set us on course for a rapid growth journey that demanded the recruitment of numerous talented individuals in a short period. It was during that time that I began to notice an interesting pattern: Many of our best employees happened to be remarkably skilled Uno players.
This realization prompted us to integrate Uno into our hiring process, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. In our in-person interviews, we invite four to six players from different departments to play Uno with the potential new employee. This creates a relaxed and open atmosphere where candidates can be themselves. This distinctive approach has allowed us to gain valuable insights into the candidate’s personality, strengths and values.
1. Games reveal a candidate’s true colors.
Uno is more than just a game of chance; it’s a game that requires strategic thinking, adaptability and a dash of creativity. When you play a game like this with potential hires, you can gain valuable insights into their problem-solving abilities, decision-making processes and how they handle both victories and setbacks. The goal is to lay bare a candidate’s true colors and uncover aspects of their personality and character that might not surface during traditional interviews.
The casual setting of a low-stakes game provides a glimpse into a candidate’s natural personality that traditional scripted interviews often miss. Are they active and assertive, or do they take a more passive approach? Do they display a collaborative spirit, or do they lean toward a competitive edge? Are they risk-takers, or do they tend to play it safe? During game sessions, take note of how candidates strategize, communicate with fellow players and adapt to changing game dynamics.
2. Games simulate team dynamics.
I’ve found that incorporating games also provides a unique lens through which you can assess a candidate’s suitability for your team and organization. Uno, for example, is inherently a collaborative game, requiring players to collaborate and compete in pursuit of a common goal: winning the game. This is why incorporating a game into your hiring process can shed light on a candidate’s ability to function within a team and contribute positively to group dynamics. You can observe how candidates engage with their fellow players, whether they exhibit leadership qualities and how well they adapt to the collective strategy of the team.
By creating a level playing field for interviewers and candidates, you can also use games to foster a genuine sense of camaraderie between parties. This can break down barriers and create a more relaxed and open atmosphere during the following interview, which allows both parties to showcase their true strengths.
3. Games reflect your company culture.
When you integrate games into your hiring process, you’re not just evaluating a candidate’s skills; you’re also gauging their compatibility with your company’s distinct collaborative spirit. Ask yourself, “Would I enjoy working with this person?” If you find yourself enjoying a game with a candidate, it’s a promising sign that they could be a great fit for your team.
When playing a game such as Uno with a candidate, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be a standard match. My team, for example, introduces company-specific rule tweaks to assess how quickly someone thinks on their feet and adapts to new thinking. This trait is especially vital for startups like ours, as we confront a constantly changing environment. During these Uno sessions, we closely observe candidates’ strategic thinking, maneuvering and adaptability as they navigate the game.
The journey of finding the right employees can be challenging, but sometimes, the solution lies in the unexpected. By assessing a candidate’s strategic thinking, teamwork and alignment with your company culture through a simple, low-stakes game, you can make more informed hiring decisions that lead to a stronger, more cohesive team.
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