Nearly everyone has heard of the Rubik’s Cube. For most, it’s a challenging puzzle, but for some it becomes an obsession. How can we apply the Rubik’s cube in our daily business practices? Simple, use the Rubik’s Cube as a tool to test perspective employees. By observing and analyzing their problem solving process, you the employer, can determine if the candidate is the right for the job.
Step 1: During the final interview process, present the candidate with a scrambled Rubik’s Cube. Tell the prospect that their mission is to return with a completed Rubik’s Cube within 2 hours. They may use any resources necessary.
Step 2: Watch and observe how the interviewee approaches the problem. For the first few minutes, most people will play around with the cube trying to logically solve the problem. Most will recognize that they will need some form of assistance to complete the puzzle. For those who do not use outside resources, this will become a highly stressful and frustrating 2 hours. The first crowd will turn to the internet, they will search for instructions and video demonstrations on how to solve the Rubik’s Cube. Perhaps they will even come across this article. Others will dismantle the puzzle and put it back together piece by piece. Finally, some will purchase a completed Rubik’s Cube. You might find that employees will start selling completed cubes, or that the prospect drives to a nearby game and puzzle store to purchase one.
Step 3: Analyze the results. The purpose of the exercise was not to complete the Rubik’s Cube, but rather to understand the problem solving process. The group that struggles to complete the project on his or her own might find it difficult to work in teams. Yet this person is very independent and may make an excellent leader. The resourceful, internet savy user will still undergo the challenges of completing the puzzle, but is willing to seek assistance. This person often works well in teams or research groups. The deconstructors are also excellent problem solvers. They have recognized a second way to complete the task. By understanding the objective, they solve the problem by fixing structure of the cube. Lastly, the sly fellow who purchases the Rubik’s Cube may be resourceful, and perhaps the smartest of all the candidates. The person identified the simplest approach to completing the assigned task. As a word of caution, this person may be sneaky, so use careful consideration when hiring this person. Make sure that their solution is not to throw money at a problem.
Some people will not complete the cube, still consider hiring them as they may have other outstanding qualities that may benefit your company. Do not use this as a final criterion!
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Source: www.isnare.com
