PROUDLY PRESENTS

Dale Getz
Resident of The USA and 3-DNET® VIP member
Email contact : Dale.Getz@exec.org

      

INTERVIEW WITH 3-DNET®

 

Listen to sample sound "bites" from the interview:  

Question 1 : Tell me about yourself

I was born and raised the son of a preacher. As a child and young person growing up, I learned what the meaning of hard work meant and lived with the model from my father that clearly defined that fact that, “If it is worth doing, its’ worth doing right.” At an early age I learned the value of working hard, pride, integrity, honor and the dignity of people. Today as a father, husband, leader and manager, I take pride in living those values while making a positive difference in my world by working to maximize human and organizational potential.

Question:  "Tell me about yourself....?"  

Question 2 : What can you offer to your next employer ?

I have over 25 years of experience in senior and executive level management positions, all involving working with and through people to meet or exceed organizational goals. As a result of my background, experience and education I have been blessed with a unique ability to bring diverse people of all levels within an organization together as a team, to work toward and achieve a common Vision, Mission and Goals. The end result is a product of involving and empowering people in such a way that they become internally motivated to gain ownership and pride in agreed to outcomes.

Question:  "What can you offer....?"  

Question 3 : What are your strengths ?

As a person, leader and manager, I am a goal driven visionary who is an excellent communicator, organizer and facilitator. Coupled with those strengths is a unique ability to relate to people in such a way that they become accountable, involved and motivated for success.

Question:  "What are your strengths?"  

Question 4 : What are your accomplishments ?

A. Personally, returned to college full time and graduated with honors 18 years after high school, while working full time and successfully fulfilling all responsibilities as a husband and father. I am also the proud husband and partner of a breast cancer survivor.

B. Professionally, I am noted for the ability to turn troubled organizations around and head them in the right direction towards success and the attainment of established goals. Having solved problems of an immediate measure, I work effectively to develop organizations in their ability to continue to move forward successfully toward a pre determined Vision, Mission and related goals and actions for achievement.

1. As the Director of Operations for a minority owned, small business qualified, federal contracting company, I provided the leadership and organizational skills necessary to retain a troubled, 12 million dollar/year federal contract with 250 employees. Following proof of organizational and corporate capability, provided the leadership necessary for the contract to covert from status of, ‘Protégée’ to ‘Prime’ contractor for a continued 3 year period of successful operations.
2. Over the course of 20 years in the Federal Job Corps training business, as a Center Director, Manager and Supervisor, I have been instrumental in providing a quality living, working and training environment for hundreds of disadvantaged youth between the ages of 16-24. In that process I have provided the leadership for the organization and staff to effectively do their job in training youth to gain the employability skills and academic/vocational competencies necessary to become employed and successfully integrate into our society.
3. In every position I have held in my career I have operated from a position of honesty and integrity and have successfully worked to maximize the individuality and capability of people.

Question:  "What are your accomplishments?"  

Question 5 : What are your limitations ?

I will not cross over the boundaries of doing what is right as it regards ethical and quality leadership. I strongly stand by the value, that the right people are the single greatest asset that any company or organization can have that is striving for long term, quality success and outcomes.

Question:  "What are your limitations ?"  

Question 6 : How much are you worth ?

My worth is directly related to my ability to create value and a proportional return on investment as measured by pre determined outcomes. Because of my proven ability to successfully, organize, facilitate and lead diverse individuals and groups toward common goals, I offer uniqueness that is worth significant amounts.

Question:  "How much are you worth ?"  

Question 7 : What are your ambitions for the future ?

My ambition is to identify with an organization with which, I can maximize my skills and abilities to lead and facilitate people toward achievement of desired outcomes while making a positive difference in my world at a high decision making level.

Question:  "What are your ambitions for the future ?"  

Question 8 : How long would it take you start contributing to the firm? 

With my personal commitment to hard work, excellence and quality outcomes, I will do the research and front end tasks necessary to immediately begin applying my Leadership and organizational skills to any organization with which I choose to identify with shortly after arrival.

Question:  "How long would it take ... ?"  

Question 9: What is your management style?

I strongly believe in a participatory management style in which people are actively involved in development of their division or departmental Strategic Plan, with accompanying Vision/Mission and goals as they relate to the over arching organizational Plan. As a leader, Manager and Supervisor I advocate communication at all levels, accountability for goals, ownership and pride in achievement and outcomes with commensurate financial reward.

Question:  "What is your management style .... ?"  

Question 10: Why do you think you have a good potential to be a manager?

I have proven my potential with great success. I am a good manager. Bottom line is that I role model what I advocate. While so doing, I practice the principles of being firm, fair and consistent in all decision, making while always placing the organizational expectations as a priority in consideration of the value, power and importance of people.

Question:  "Why do you think you..... ?"  

Question 11: What would you look for in hiring people?

The first requirement is the obvious expectation of meeting the employment standards for the position applied for. Beyond that, I look for people who have a positive attitude, are self motivated to meet and exceed expectations and are coach able. Underlying all considerations, are the root requirements of honesty, integrity and a burning desire to do an outstanding job.

Question:  "What would you look for hiring .... ?"  

Question 12: As a manager, have you ever had to fire someone?

Yes! On a number of occasions, I have had to go through the process of removing people from their positions, even people I have considered to be good friends.

As a Manager/Supervisor, however, I strongly believe in the value of people. I have learned from experience, that if the issue is performance based and the potential exists for success, it is frequently more cost effective and productive to mentor and assist people in achievement of their performance goals, providing they are motivated to change and are coach able. If it is a conduct related issue which is contrary to basic laws and organizational guide lines, I have no compassion for, and will not retain any employee who knowingly violates basic conduct expectations.

Question:  "As a manager, have you ever..... ?"  

Question 13: What do you see as the most difficult task of being a manager?

To be an outstanding leader is many times a lonely position. One cannot be an effective Leader, Manager or Supervisor and remain one of the ‘Guys.’ As a person in a leadership role, one must be willing to step out and many times make decisions that are in the best interest of the big picture but on the surface, may be difficult for the average person to understand. The goal is to do what is right, while being firm, fair and consistent. Effective leadership and management are not based on being first in a popularity contest. Good Leaders and Managers earn respect not command it!

Question:  "What do you see as...... ?"  

Question 14: Describe what you feel is the best work environment?

I advocate and fully support a work environment in which people know that they are important, valued and strongly believe that they are doing worth while work. I want people to know that they can be creative, know that it is ok to make mistakes if they learn from them and be internally motivated toward quality outcomes. As a result of what I advocate in terms of a work environment, as a Leader and Manager I work to make that environment a reality.

Question:  "Describe what you feel..... ?"  

Question 15: Looking back how do you describe your past employer?

I am currently employed by a company that truly believes in the value and potential of people, however, upward financial and personal mobility is limited and as a result, I am seeking other opportunities.

Question:  "Looking back how do you ..... ?"  

Question 16: What have you done to increase productivity, performance, efficiency, etc..?

Over time, as I have learned and grown, I have consistently worked with people at all levels to involve and develop skill levels while gaining ownership and pride in their job and personal contributions to it. This skill requires the ability to manage while walking, be involved, delegate and hold people accountable at all levels. As a result of my efforts, I have a history of turning troubled organizations around and maximizing productivity.

Question:  "What have you done to .... ?"  

Question 17: Whether you are a "computer wizard", how do you respond to the financial side of your responsibilities?

As with the other aspects of my personal work ethic, I consider effective management of my financial responsibilities to be of critical importance. As a Director, I hold Managers and Supervisors accountable as a performance based requirement, for successful outcomes of their departmental budgets. In so doing, I allow them the power and freedom to spend and work within pre established boundaries. In that role, I routinely monitor all organizational financials with the expectation that unless justified otherwise in writing, bottom lines will be consistent with budgeted expectations.

Question:  "Whether you are a "computer wizard".... ?"  

Question 18: How many people have you supervised in your recent job?

In a recent position that I held as Director of Operations, I indirectly supervised 250 people and oversaw the training activities for 750 trainees. I have routinely had Senior Staff management teams with up to 9 direct reports who supervised Managers, Supervisors and direct reports for an average organization of 100 plus employees and 250 to 700 trainees.

Question:  "How many people have you .... ?"  

Question 19: What do you like more, working with figures or words?

Words! I like working with people, however, words and actions drive the figures. As a result, without the right words, i.e., Vision, Mission, Goals, Plans, effective communication, respect and involvement, figures are meaningless except to reflect the failure or success of the effective application of words.

Question:  "What do you like more ..... ?"  

Question 20: How do you think that your subordinates receive you?

Based on a recent, corporate initiated 360 degree, Walk the Talk survey of all executive, management personnel, my subordinates see me as being a person who walks the talk and is a respected Manager/Supervisor. An issue for improvement and which I have included in my personal goals, is to manage meetings more effectively. I strongly believe that we will always have room for improvement. The challenge is to be open and receptive to input and suggestions and then take the initiative to make the change happen..

Question:  "How do you think .... ?"  

Question 21: What do you think of your previous boss?

My previous boss, as with my current boss was a person who I respected and worked well with. A strength was that he allowed me to self manage and do what I had to do to get the job done. A weakness was that he did not personally have clearly defined goals and objectives for the organization that he could or would communicate to his direct reports.

Question:  "What do you think .... ?"  

Question 22: Describe a situation in which your work was criticized?

In my first experience as a Supervisor, I was striving to establish myself as a pace setter and role model by working with a crew doing the same labor type work that they were doing. My new boss came to the job site and asked me what I was doing? I told him and he told me that my job was to lead, observe safety practices and to ensure that the work was getting done right. He said, “I can teach you how to swing an ax but I can’t swing it for you.” As a result of that early experience, I learned a basic requirement of being a Supervisor, which is that one must step out from the group and be willing to no longer be one of crowd.

Question:  "Describe a situation .... ?"  

Question 23: If I spoke with your boss what he would say about your greatest strength and weaknesses?

Based on recent input from a corporate wide, “Walk the Talk 360 degree Profile” survey, my boss stated, “Dale is a top performer in a very challenging environment. He has a great opportunity to positively influence a negative culture through his leadership, coaching and role modeling. Dale exhibits an unusually high understanding of how to work with and lead others. He walks the talk.”

On the other side he indicated that I need to do a better job of managing meetings, provide feedback and monitor individual performance.

Question:  "If I spoke with your boss.... ?"  

Question 24: How can you handle life under pressure and with tough deadlines?

My life has been about handling pressure and excelling in spite of it. As a young man who got married the day after I turned 19, with a beautiful baby daughter 6 months latter, I did what was necessary to successfully support a family and raise two beautiful daughters. From that beginning, 18 years after graduating from high school I graduated from college while working full time and supporting a family.

I handle pressure by staying focused on priorities and goals. I maintain a positive attitude and know that whatever the mind of man can see and believe he can achieve. As a result, I have been successful in my life and work.

Question:  "How can you handle .... ?"  

Question 25: What do you think you do better: staff work or line work?

I like working with people. I am an organizer, manager and leader. I do not separate myself from people, rather I work with people to accomplish specific goals and objectives. Line workers are the foundation for organizational success.

Question:  "What do you think.... ?"  

Question 26: In your current position, what problem have you identified that was previously overlooked?

As the Director for Organizational Development for a federal contracting company, I found that the organization did not have a functional Vision or Mission that clearly identified what they were about. When I first assumed my current responsibilities, the Corporate Mission Statement was half a page of words, framed and behind glass hanging on the wall. Additionally, there was not a Vision statement with a common understanding of where the organization was heading. Those issues have been corrected and now the company has a functional and real Strategic Plan with a clear road map of where it is heading, with the goals and actions identified to make it happen.

Question:  "In your current position .... ?"  

Question 27: If you had a choice of job and a company what would you choose?

Company name and status is not a major issue with me. I want to work with a company that values people, is profitable, solid and knows that the bottom line of profitability is directly related to hiring the right people and working to develop those people to maximize their potential. My goal is to live to work, not work to live.

Question:  "If you had a choice of job.... ?"  

Question 28:Do you have any objection to take a psychological test?

Absolutely none. I would find it interesting and a growing experience.

Question:  "Do you have any objection.... ?"

Question 29: Do you consider yourself as a creative person?

I am creative and open to new ideas and suggestions; however, that is not my strength. My strength is finding, hiring and working with people who bring a mix of individual strengths and skills to a team environment, including creativity.

Question:  "Do you consider yourself.... ?"

Question 30: How do you describe your personality?

Hard driving, process and goal oriented, positive by nature and success oriented. I am a good listener, friendly, tactful and strive to help people to be the best they can be while continually looking at and considering options and right actions.

I enjoy working in and leading a team environment and seek input from people to consider all options in making decisions. I always reserve the right to the final decision and have no problem making decisions that are not popular if it is the right thing to do.

Question:  "How do you describe.... ?"  

Question 31: What is your outside reading you do?

I rarely read fiction. I focus on reading that involves learning and growing spiritually, emotionally, mentally and professionally. Additionally, I enjoy reading that keeps me current with what is happening in the world around me so that I can be informed, tuned in and make appropriate decisions in my life and work.

Question:  "What is your outside.... ?"  

Question 32: What are some of your outside activities?

In our gated community where we live, we have an indoor exercise room, pool, Jacuzzi, and steam room. I consistently utilize the facility and find it very rewarding. I am active in my non denominational church and as I effectively manage my time, enjoy the pleasure of knocking golf balls into the woods. One of my personal goals is to balance my life better with less work and more creative, fun activities.

Question:  "What are some of.... ?"  

Question 33: Are you continuing your education?

With many years of involvement in Project Management, including; Director of Operations, Project Manager and Manager within projects, I am preparing to maximize that experience. I am in the process of preparing to take the training necessary to successfully pass a standards for Project Management exam and as a result, become certified through the Project Management Institute as a Project Management Professional.

Question:  "Are you continuing your.... ?"

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