Sell me this pen
Find out how this interview task can help us help people. We’ll look at why someone might say this, what they expect and what it can teach us, in terms of mental health and wellbeing. It should get you thinking.
If you don’t have audio, or prefer reading, I’ve included a transcript below:
You've probably seen it in an interview where the interviewer will hand the candidate a pen and they'll say those immortal lines, “sell me this pen”. It's normally a bit cringe and normally used in sales or influencing roles.
It's an interesting question, because they probably don't want someone to just make an assumption. Start giving them instructions or telling them what to do.
“You need to buy this pen.”
“It's great.”
“I’ll let you have it for this price.”
What they probably want them to do is ask some questions. To understand that person and why they need a new pen.
“Is your pen broken?”
“What's important to you when you buy a pen?”
“How much do you normally spend?”
You see, the more you understand, the more you can help them. This is fundamentally about solving a problem that they have. So I think we can see how this can help us in terms of mental health and wellbeing.
You may not be helping someone professionally, but there may be some point where someone comes to you for help and advice. If they do, remember that question about the pen and try and stop yourself just making assumptions and giving instructions. Telling them what you think?
Just take time to ask a few questions that are going to help you gain an understanding. To understand their problem and potentially help solve it, or maybe direct them to someone who can.
Just a little thing to think about there. I think it's going to help.