Social Boldness: The degree of boldness in the workplace

The social boldness trait measures to what extent a person is hesitant or outgoing in situations. From the one end one can be adventurous, independent and confident driving conversations and dealing with challenges while on the other hand one can be more timid, accommodating and less prone to be the driver of social interactions.The social boldness trait has a range which includes two opposite poles namely Hesitant and Outgoing. Let’s examine both poles to better understand how we assess this specific trait.

Hesitant: Individuals who feel less comfortable in social situations and are less likely to drive communication. They are concerned about others' feelings and reactions - tend to have a well-developed sense of what others are feeling. In the workplace, these are individuals who prefer to keep to themselves and be less expressive of their opinion. They tend to be accommodating to others as they tend to be more shy and sensitive to criticism.

Common Descriptors: shy, reserved, timid

Outgoing: Individuals who tend to be more outgoing and are very well suited to team projects. These co-workers are the ones who will provide energy and drive communication during collaboration. They are not afraid of criticism and they are receptive to feedback. They are comfortable with risks and challenges.

They are confident and they enjoy new experiences. They love seeking challenge and attention and they are independent and thick-skinned when facing stressful situations.

Common Descriptors: socially bold, venturesome, uninhibited

Social Boldness Interview Guide

The interview questions listed below can draw revealing answers about the degree of social boldness of a candidate and get you on your way to finding whether employees are hesitant or outgoing in the workplace.

Note: There is no right or wrong answer, the answer you are seeking is based on what best fits the role and your company culture.

Top 2 questions and expected answers for each end of the scale

1. Your manager asks who would like to take on a new project. What is your reaction?

Outgoing: Individuals who score closer towards the outgoing end of the scale are most likely to answer that they would be happy to take over the new project as they love new challenges even if they are not familiar with the task at hand. They are generally confident which allows them to be less stressed about the risks that may be involved. Also, they love being the center of attention so they would be happy to be the first to volunteer for the new task.

Hesitant: Individuals who score closer towards the hesitant end of the scale are most likely to answer that they would wait until they get to know more about the new project before stepping up. Given that they tend to be shy in social situations they are unlikely to be the first to volunteer for the new tasks and they would wait for others to take over instead.

2. Give an example of how you work within a team.

Outgoing: Individuals who score closer towards the outgoing end of the scale are most likely to answer that they are heavily involved in team projects and they are the ones who drive communication. They love taking over new projects and they can effectively venture forth to ensure the successful completion of any task.

Hesitant: Individuals who score closer towards the hesitant end of the scale are most likely to answer that they generally prefer focusing on their part of the task at hand when working on a team project than be the drivers of the task. They feel more comfortable when dealing with familiar situations and they would prefer a team composed of few members.

Question Pool:

3. Describe a situation where you had to adjust quickly to changes over which you had no control. What was the impact of the change on you?

4. Describe an example of a time when you had to approach people (with different perspectives) for support or cooperation. How did you appeal to each person? What was the result?

5. Describe a situation in which your first attempt to sell an idea failed. How did you react to this? What other approaches did you try?

6. Tell me about a time when your work effort didn’t go as planned (blocked by obstacles). How did you resolve this issue? What was the outcome?