Learning a lot from one question

If you watched the interviews for the town manager candidates (note that they are being replayed by FCTV-13...next show at 3am tonight - Monday morning - for the late crowd or those with VCRs), you probably noticed that each of the selectmen had their preferred questions. Some had very specific questions, but the problem with specific questions is that you get specific answers.

For my part, I had about half-a-dozen specific questions, from which I asked each candidate two or three. They weren't always the same two or three questions; there were concerns that some of the candidates might have stayed in Falmouth and were watching the earlier interviews, so I mixed them up a bit.

There was, however, one question that I asked of every candidate: Where do you see yourself in five years?

This was a retorical question. Everyone knew the answer ("As Falmouth's town manager") and everyone gave that same, basic answer.

So why ask it?

It was actually suggested by a constituent. He wanted to know that these individuals were in this for the long haul, rather than interested in putting in a few years and retiring or moving on to other opportunities.

Our neighbor wanted the answer, but anyone serious about the job would give the correct answer. I saw the question as an opportunity to dig a little deeper. Sometimes it's not the answer, but how they answer that provides the insight.

For example, when asked this question, one candidate answered, "Here."

Remember the old adage, "Actions speak louder than words"? One of the specific questions asked by another selectman was about management style. This answer - short and to the point - can also tell us about management style.

Another candidate answered, "Hopefully, perhaps still here." Hear the doubt? Is it about being able to do the job, or doubt about the job itself?

A third said he would live in Falmouth seasonally, renting here during the off-season and commuting from Martha's Vineyard (where he owns a home) during the summer. Obviously, there's the residency requirement in the charter, so living outside Falmouth - even if just for a few months out of the year - might require approval from the Board.

What does this answer tell us about this candidate? He's up-front and honest, willing to put things on the table that may not be well received.

The fourth candidate answered that it would be his "privilege and pleasure" to still be Falmouth's town manager five years from now. Carefully chosen words.

You can learn a lot from one question.