Steven Bartlett, the host of "The Diary of a CEO," has made a bold claim that only 7% of job applicants manage to answer a pivotal question correctly during his unique hiring assessment.
In his approach to recruitment, Bartlett emphasizes behavioral evaluation over mere skills, asserting that this distinction is essential for identifying high achievers. He conducts a scenario-based test designed to challenge traditional hiring norms and pinpoint candidates who demonstrate the right mindset.
On the "Hot Smart Rich" podcast, Bartlett elaborated on his innovative 35-question Culture Test, which he utilizes instead of focusing solely on academic credentials. This test aims to predict how candidates will respond in specific situations, thus revealing their potential as high-performing team members. One particular question in his test stands out: Imagine an event is scheduled for six weeks from now, but a crucial supplier informs you they cannot meet your deadline. The options presented are to either scale back the event, delay it, or, as Bartlett hopes, to inquire why the supplier needs six weeks.
"It’s astonishing! Only about 7% of individuals select that option, despite it being the most logical response," Bartlett remarked.
He shared a personal anecdote from his own business, where a team member claimed he couldn’t deliver animations by the deadline due to his outdated laptop. When asked for clarification, the employee explained that a mere $2,000 could rectify the issue, ultimately saving Bartlett 60% of his time for future projects. This illustrates a common tendency among many—relying on self-imposed limits and conventional wisdom that stifle creative problem-solving. Bartlett referenced innovative companies such as Zara and pioneers like Bernard Sadow, the inventor of the rolling suitcase, who dared to break free from these constraints.
Consequently, Bartlett has dedicated significant effort to refining his hiring process, leading to the establishment of the Culture Test, a venture that has become an integral part of his professional portfolio. In fact, he mentioned on the podcast that approximately half of his monthly focus is devoted to recruitment.
His flagship podcast has consistently ranked among the top business shows on Apple, forming a key component of his company, Steven.com. Recently, he announced securing an eight-figure investment to further expand his business empire, which includes Flight Story—a media and investment firm that has branched out into various other productions.
During the podcast, Bartlett also posed another intriguing scenario from his Culture Test. He asked listeners to consider how they might respond if their largest client called on Christmas Eve, locked out of their account. Would they address the matter immediately, hold off until after the holidays, or respond rudely, reminding the client of the festive season? He believes that the responses to such dilemmas reflect an organization’s culture.
Research supports Bartlett’s perspective, highlighting that hiring for cultural alignment can enhance performance and reduce employee turnover. However, there are important caveats to consider when prioritizing culture fit. Critics warn that this approach may lead to a workforce that mirrors existing employees, potentially undermining diversity. Studies have shown that diverse teams often outperform those with a more homogenous makeup, which raises questions about the balance between cultural compatibility and inclusivity.
What are your thoughts on Bartlett’s approach to hiring? Do you believe that focusing on culture fit is beneficial, or does it risk creating a lack of diversity? Let’s discuss in the comments!
