Life is an interview

Francis "Sonny" Calvert Circa 1952

This picture sits on my desk. It has been on every desk I have had for untold years. It's a picture of my father, Francis Harrison Calvert, called "Sonny" by those that knew him well. Now that my dad is gone, I look at this picture and see beyond the 18-year old man that worked in the mailroom, dressed for the c-suite, and climbed his way to an SVP role before retiring early. I see wisdom, inspiration, I hear his voice, and I dare not remove this photo from its frame for the fear that it would release the magic it gives me.

Like me, I bet you have quotes that run through your head. "Life is an interview" is one from my dad that I have leveraged and repeated the most in my life. I doubt it is a "Sonny Original" quote but it has the power to magically zap me in to a relationship mindset where I consider the impact I make on people and how I reflect credit upon myself, my family, and the companies that I work for.

To me, every interaction leads to a relationship, a connection, an association with a person that is relevant to my life. Yes, 100% of the interactions I have are relevant. I didn't say positive. But all ARE relevant. Just like a job interview (and I've been in plenty), people form an impression of me based on what I say and how I carry myself. I also form an impression about them. I consider their perspective and go out of my way to ensure that they feel seen and important.

I admit that it doesn't work out the way I would like it to sometimes. I am not everyone's cup of tea and not everyone wants to make connections. But somehow, when I show my authentic self, it doesn't matter how my "interviewer" sees me or if they accept or reject me. All that matters is that I showed up and gave it my best, expected good things, and left the impression that I am ready for whatever is next.

So keep this in mind..."life is an interview" means we are always being observed, tested, and given chances to show who we are. Some interactions will take you Onward. Some interactions will take you Upward. And some won't make sense until much, much later.