When my brother asked me to help his friend Jake get a job at my tech firm, I agreed, thinking I was doing a small favor. Jake looked great on paper and nailed the video screening. I even coached him to prepare for the final round—because if he got the role, not only would I help a friend, but I’d also earn a bonus that would help cover my daughter’s school fees.
But during the final in-person interview, Jake shocked everyone. He spoke non-stop, ignored questions, and even cut off interviewers mid-sentence. As the minutes dragged on, I felt my chances—and his—slipping away. I was just about to end the interview when my boss calmly told Jake, “You had a 99% chance of getting the job. Now it’s zero. Because you don’t listen.” The room fell silent. Jake had talked himself out of the opportunity.
I was crushed, convinced I’d lost the bonus and embarrassed for putting my name behind him. But the next day, I received a surprise—my boss awarded me the bonus anyway, with a note that said, “You did your best. It’s not your fault.” That simple gesture meant more than the money. I later hired someone else—less experienced, but thoughtful, curious, and a great listener.
Months later, Jake approached me at my brother’s party. He’d realized where he went wrong, took communication classes, and eventually landed a job elsewhere. He even asked me out—with a promise to listen this time. We laughed. In the end, it wasn’t just Jake who grew from the experience—we both did.