How to do a reference check: “What feedback could you give me to be the best manager for her I could be?”
“Awesome thread. Humility, Open-Ness and Confidence. A powerful combination in service of others.”
My thoughts when I retweeted a thread about receiving a reference check call. Nothing to add, other than to say this is how to do a reference check!
(note, embedding the thread below, but also cutting and pasting the text for those who aren’t on twitter)
I took a phone call today to be a reference for a former coworker. I was 100% prepared for their rote questions and then her new manager completely blindsided me. “What feedback could you give me to be the best manager for her I could be?”
I love being a reference for others but find that people doing reference checks ask uninspired questions. I learned so much from my call today and will def incorporate the questions I was asked into future reference checks I have to do.
We had a great talk about imposter syndrome and where the previous organization failed to support so that the new manager could be more successful. As someone who values support and growth, I’ve never been happier during a reference check.
There were no gotchas or fact-finding for weakness. Other managers, take note! This is how you learn about potential future team members and set everyone up for success.
Text of twitter thread above from Mercedes Barnard