As for other ideas, one big thing to look for is someone who is willing to step outside their comfort zone. I just wrote about this topic on my site and its important to look for it to help determine if people are willing to step up, take a chance and have a mindset that failure is OK, its better to take chances and be willing to do new things. Without that, people often stay complacent.

Michael’s point is understandable about passion for one thing not necessarily translating directly to another. But here are a couple of thoughts:

1. Simply finding out if someone can “get passionate” about a topic is telling. Anyone who doesn’t show affect about something may have some issues of the heart. If that’s the case, there may also be problems addressing #3 on Phil’s list.

2. When someone does identify a personal passion, ask the question, “How would you see that kind of excitement carrying over into your work?”

This is a useful way to see if the individual can somehow connect the dots for you. It could be less of a mystery than meets the eye.

Note of caution: For those who have a more objective, intellectual approach to life, asking to suddenly name their “passion” can be off-putting.
Instead, try asking about what “captures their interest” or where they like to “get involved”. The language itself can help both parties get to where they need to be.

Good topic!

So is there a such thing as “guided” passion? Anyone have a list of passions that translate well to the workplace?