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Hi Damarah, those are some tough questions to answer. I think an initial phone screen should happen to review the applicant and their qualifications before a personality test happens. The test could produce bad data as not everyone interprets questions the same way. The potential employer could be missing out on quality candidates all because they understand a question differently than how it was written. I agree with you hiring someone is more of gut decision than a data decision.

I don’t think that hiring someone should be centered on a personality test with the data used to determine if the prospect is the right fit. You have a much better sense of how a person will fit in you organization during real face to face, or on the telephone, interactions. If you leave it all up to data, then there is no more human human relations..

I don’t think that hiring someone should be centered on a personality test with the data used to determine if the prospect is the right fit. You have a much better sense of how a person will fit in you organization during real face to face, or on the telephone, interactions. If you leave it all up to data, then there is no more human in human relations..

This is a great point! I will have to play devil’s advocate and say that sometimes (using that word very lightly) having the right personality will make you successful in your career. I can only speak from my experiences, but I did work for a billboard sales company my first year out of undergrad. I ultimately left the company within 6 months because I wasn’t comfortable with the competitiveness in the company versus working as a team. I’m 100% a team player!

This is very interesting! I too have recently had a “quarter life” crisis. This of course was due to graduating college and trying to find my place in the world. I have to agree with Rose in his findings that the pursuit of fulfillment are what lead to success. In my current work, I feel more fulfilled by the tasks I am assigned than I was in a previous role, which has ultimately led me to succeed in this job than I previously did.

Wow Katie, this is great. I am nearing my quarter life and hoping it doesn’t lead to crisis. When I think of data I quickly relate it to decision making, but this is a more “humane” way of using data. (maybe not the best adjective). After reading your post I realize we can use data to address social issues within our society. Sense of purpose and passion for work are very relateable – they are almost right off the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Throwback to Psych 101. I will definitely be checking out the podcast episode you mentioned!

Informative post Katie, this is great. I researched Todd Rose after this read and found Rose venturing across the country conducting focus groups, and found the panel always defines success for themselves and kids as a “zero sum game” in the current social system.Rose stresses social media and AI can be beneficial when we “put this knowledge directly in the hands of the public so that they have greater control over their own lives.” I learned that Rose’s book “Dark Horse” shows that fulfillment first leads to excellence not the other way around. Really a fan of Todd Rose now and desire to buy his literature. Thanks Katie.

Resources:

Author Todd Rose: Learning Is Personal, So Is Success
Tom Ark – https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomvanderark/2018/04/20/todd-rose-learning-is-personal-so-is-success/#4202f4092842

I liked the video and thought it was cute but agree that there was just no connection to the brand. Even after reading what you said the purpose was, I still did not get the connection.

The video was encouraging people to walk (up the stairs) instead of taking a ride (up the escalator), Taking out the stairs/escalator aspect, it is encouraging people to walk, instead of riding. So if people walk, why would they even need a Volkswagen? LOL

I completely agree with you! I remember this video fondly – only because I LOVED the piano staircase concept but never recalled the connection to Volkswagon. I think they were focusing on creating a viral video, which I believe they did, but it did nothing for brand activation. Next time, connect the dots Volkswagon!

I think you make a greta point Akasha. I don’t think this “STORY” experience is enough to bring people into their store. I’m actually a little confused on what it is exactly and why it would be worth the trip into Macy’s to experience it.

It takes more motivation to get me into a physical store, especially if it’s for clothing or gifts. For instance if I bought something online and wanted to return it, but would have to either pay to ship it back or return it to the store for free, then I’ll make the trek to the store. Once I’m in the store, I have a good time and try to enjoy myself, but honestly I’d rather just shop in the privacy of my home.

I think for bigger ticket items like home appliances, furniture and technology there’s more opportunity to leverage these experiences than the typical brick and mortar. I certainly don’t have the answer, but I’m interested in seeing the development over the next few years!

Hi Elaina! Some stores make it nearly impossible to return merchandise! Definitely a tactic to get you in the store to check out other products. In the end the store is adding more frustration to their customers!

Great Article! I personally shop at Brick & Mortar stores because I like the idea of the face to face contact with employees. Also, being able to see the product I want to buy in person is a huge reason why I don’t do as much online shopping. I’m not sure how I feel about the store in store only deal but for the right audience this probably makes a lot of sense. Although for those who are Instagram fanatics they would most likely love this idea.

Awesome post! I haven’t heard about ‘STORY’ and it’s not something that will bring me into Macy’s. The only time I went to a store for a specific product offering was the Target x Lilly Pulizter collab that happened in store. Typically what brings me into a store is the experience. I’m sure most people will agree with me when I say that shopping at Target is a fun experince! For me, Macy’s is an overwhelming store so the addition of something else will make me go nuts!

Hey Crystal,

I completely agree that the lack of diversity is at the root of this issue. However, I also think that GroupThink is to blame. People try to minimize conflict by just going with whatever the majority thinks. I’m sure someone sitting in the conference room is thinking, “oh no, this is all wrong”, but won’t speak out in fear of being iced out. I always think, hmmm there’s no way the designers at Gucci didn’t realize the implications that the “sweater” would have, especially because of their recent relationship with Dapper Dan. Do you think having representative individuals on the executive level will decrease these instances, or will they fall victim to GroupThink?

Thanks for sharing with me the agencies that are trying to fight against that stigma! I worked for an agency before and on my second day working there, I was tasked with doing a voiceover for a client. I was told to channel my inner Danielle Brooks (Tasty from Orange is the New Black) and obviously I’m not an actor so it was difficult for me. The creative director was shocked that I couldn’t speak “urban”.

I’m a huge advocate for online banking. I almost never carry cash so I’m a huge user of Cash app, Venmo, Google Pay, and Zelle. I think it’s interesting how a lot of those companies are now implementing their own debit card for purchases. Have you looked into Ally Bank? I’ve seen commercials promoting the app, but I haven’t looked into opening an account with them.