1 min lesson
Grade each answer on three axes
Choose two examples from the table in "Grade each answer on three axes" and explain what each teaches you to do.
Step 1 of 2
Grade each answer on three axes
- Axis
- Specificity
- What a 5 sounds like
- Real numbers, names of roles, dates and concrete stakes
- What a 2 sounds like
- Abstractions and adjectives with nothing to verify
- Axis
- Authenticity
- What a 5 sounds like
- Lived detail only you could have said; visible imperfection
- What a 2 sounds like
- Polished lines that could come from any candidate
- Axis
- Values alignment
- What a 5 sounds like
- The story actually demonstrates truth-seeking or building, not just mentions it
- What a 2 sounds like
- You assert the value but the story does not show it
| Axis | What a 5 sounds like | What a 2 sounds like |
|---|---|---|
| Specificity | Real numbers, names of roles, dates and concrete stakes | Abstractions and adjectives with nothing to verify |
| Authenticity | Lived detail only you could have said; visible imperfection | Polished lines that could come from any candidate |
| Values alignment | The story actually demonstrates truth-seeking or building, not just mentions it | You assert the value but the story does not show it |
If a story scores 5 on polish but 2 on authenticity, it is too rehearsed - re-tell it rougher and truer.
The founder's silent question
Behind every values answer the founder is asking one thing: would this person tell me the truth when it costs them something? Your truth-seeking and lost-deal stories are the direct evidence. Pick the ones where honesty cost you a number, a ranking or a manager's approval, because that is what makes mission-alignment believable rather than performed.