Two Questions that matter

“Do you think you can do this?”

Many years ago, this was a question asked to me during a job interview after I was informed about the mandate for the role.

My response:

“You don’t ask someone whether he/she can do something. Two questions are important, and if the answer to these questions is “Yes”, we are talking. The two questions:

(i) Would I enjoy doing what is asked of me?

(ii) Whether you trust me enough to be a part of your team.”

When one thinks about it, this is what really matters. When I tell my mentees about this when preparing them for a career, or for a job interview, the question I’m often asked is how one develops the confidence to carry this through. My take on this:

• As you grow through your career, be recognised as a person who takes ownership and accountability.

• Through your work, develop the reputation of one who applies the mind to understand what is required, and get it done.

• You can learn from everyone you interact with, irrespective of their role and position; do it and give them due respect.

(This was published as a post in LinkedIn in July 2025)