Olympians and Job Seekers Deserve Respect for Their Efforts

We have been up late every night watching the Olympics.  I’m mesmerized by all the different sports and love watching them.  Most I understand or have at least some grasp.  Then there’s curling.  I think someone’s just pulled a practical joke on the rest of the world with that one.  Probably invented by some kids trying to get out of doing their chores, so they came up with a new use for a broom.

Of course if you grew up in the north where everything is frozen for nine months of the year, I guess we can’t really blame people for trying anything to beat boredom.

Something that has really caught my attention this year is the play by play.  Is it just me or are the announcers hyper-critical of these incredible athletes?

Take snowboarding, for example.

“Well here comes the current world champ. He’s trying but I’m not sure if he can do it.  He’s older than the new kids coming up.  He can’t make any mistakes on this.  He has to do the triple Quasimodo with a twist.  I hear he’s been practicing carrying his grandmother.  Is he going to do it?  He looks shaky. He hasn’t had good practice runs. He’s too old.”

“Look! He’s got his grandmother on his shoulders! Can he do it? It’s doubtful.  I don’t know – YES! He did it, but it wasn’t great.  Grandma isn’t looking too happy either.  Not sure that this was his best effort; he can do better. “

Really?

These people have been training their entire lives for one moment to shine.  One moment.  They know if they’ve made a mistake in front of the entire world. While they’ve been conditioned to receive critiques, they don’t need anyone at this final moment – especially arm-chair quarterbacks – telling them they could do better.  Surely we could be a little more supportive.

Thank goodness job interviewing doesn’t warrant the same type of critical play-by-play coverage.  I can only imagine the added stress of having strangers, who have no say in the hiring process, evaluating my performance.

“Here she comes into the interview Bob.  She dressed well; looks like she has a new outfit.  Oh no! Wait – are those last years’ pumps?”  

“Yes, Cindy, I think they are.  That will be a deduction, although they may be lenient since she is wearing lipstick and her manicure looks good.  She does look a bit nervous.  Do you see how she’s holding her bag?  

“Here comes the handshake; she reaches out first and – yes! It looks like a solid handshake. There should be points added here. ”

“She’s maintaining eye contact.  Body language seems good.  Interviewer is leaning forward; oh no! He’s asking a surprise question!  What will she do?  Can she pull it off? I’ve never seen this done so early in the interview process, Bob!

“She’s pausing – definitely not a good sign.  Taking a drink of water – clearly she’s buying time. Wait a minute; she’s answering! I think she’s got it! She answered the surprise question, but I’m not sure it was her best effort, Cindy.”

“I agree Bob.  We’ll have to see what the interviewer says.  She may be disappointed in the outcome of this interview.”

Wouldn’t that be awful?  How about a little love from the adoring fans?

True, I haven’t trained like an Olympian for an interview, working my entire life for one moment.  Nor have I been conditioned to hear scathing critiques of my every move. Yet I have researched the company, prepared my questions and practiced my answers.  I’m ready to provide a two-minute summary that describes who I am and sounds conversational rather than memorized.  I’m aware that presentation is everything, so my outfit is chosen carefully and I remind myself of posture, eye contact and handshake.

Whether we are training for  the Olympics or simply preparing for a job interview, the key word here is respect.   Both events are moments for us to shine and do our best. And we’d all like a little support for our efforts, no matter what the outcome.

I may not receive a medal with my job offer, but that’s okay.  Sure beats listening to a hyper-critical play-by-play of my interview performance.