The Importance of “I” Statements

Yesterday I had an opportunity to speak to one of my readers who is struggling to get a job in this crazy economy. As we spoke, I began to understand what was getting in her way – Here issue: She is playing the blame and shame game. The blame and shame game is when you blame someone else for your situation. In this case it was someone else’s fault for why was terminated. When I asked why? I began to hear about the supervisor and the environment in the organization. She wasn’t happy there and they, the supervisor and fellow employees knew it. As a result, it affected her performance and she was terminated. So, her question was, “what do I say to the interviewer about the termination?” My response, start by saying “I was not happy in the organization.” She wasn’t happy and they knew it and that is what led to the termination. Bottom line.

“I” Statements are phenomenal statements in an interview. Especially when you have been terminated from an organization. If you walk into an interview and all you can talk about is what “They” did to you. And how poorly run the company was, and how “They” didn’t like you or “They” were out to get you. You will more than likely remain in the unemployment line.

“I” Statements is your bread and butter when discussing terminations. Whether it was justified or not, you have to figure out your accountability to the situation you find yourself in. By definition Accountability means: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions. One’s actions = your actions.

Use “I” Statements in discussing what happened in your previous position. “I wasn’t happy with the position.” “I allowed it to affect the way I performed my job.” I should have left to find another position.” “What I am looking for in my organization…” Teamwork, supportive supervisor, etc.

If you find yourself using “They”, “Them” you are not speaking from a place of accountability. I want to challenge you to think about your level of accountability in your previous jobs. I also want you to think about how accountable you are willing to be in future opportunities. Do you play the shame and blame game when questions are asked about who did what? Even if you have been terminated. If you have been terminated, start thinking about what you could have done differently in the situation. I know that the organization has a part they played leading to your termination. But it doesn’t exempt you from your part. That is the part you need to admit, to yourself. You may not want to tell it all to a hiring manager, but blaming the organization solely for a termination will not get you hired. I would love to hear your thoughts!