Questions That Get Results: Innovative Ideas Managers Can Use to Improve Their Teams' Performance

Chapter 12. Questions That Assess Opportunities

James has worked in the corporate world for his entire career. He has paid his dues, climbed the ladder, and earned the title of director at an international public relations firm. He is satisfied with his position and is confident he works for a good company and boss. One day, out of the blue, James gets a call from a headhunter. She tells him that another company is interested in talking with him about a position as vice president (a step up from his current role). James would report directly to the president, have significantly greater responsibilities, and receive a 50 percent increase in pay.

Of course, James is flattered by this offer. He is very torn, however, because he has been so happy at his current company. They have treated him well and given him regular promotions. On the other hand, he realizes that his future with them is limited. For the last three years he has consistently received 5 percent raises, and he does not see his earning potential increasing very much more in the future with the company.

This new opportunity has, therefore, piqued his interest, so James agrees to go to the interview. Prior to the meeting, he does some research about the company. He learns that it is well recognized in the industry and growing rapidly. He also discovers that the position he is interviewing for has been held by three different individuals during the last two years. This raises a red flag, but he decides not to jump to any conclusions ...