20 Questions

Questions to Ask PNMs During Pref

Strategic questions to ask Potential New Members (PNMs) during preference round to assess fit, values alignment, and potential for meaningful membership.

1

What drew you to our organization and what are you hoping to gain from membership?

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Why this works

This question reveals the PNM's motivation for joining and their understanding of the organization's purpose, helping assess their commitment and alignment with organizational values.

2

How do you see yourself contributing to our organization and its mission?

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Why this works

This question helps assess the PNM's potential contributions and their understanding of how they can add value to the organization.

3

What are your long-term goals and how do they align with our organization's values?

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Why this works

This question reveals the PNM's personal goals and values, helping determine if they align with the organization's mission and culture.

4

How do you handle challenges and what is your approach to problem-solving?

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Why this works

This question helps assess the PNM's resilience and problem-solving abilities, which are important for success in the organization.

5

What are your expectations for the time commitment and involvement required?

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Why this works

This question helps ensure the PNM understands the level of commitment required and can meet the organization's expectations.

6

How do you work in team settings and what role do you typically take?

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Why this works

This question reveals the PNM's teamwork abilities and their approach to collaboration, which are crucial for organizational success.

7

What are your leadership experiences and how do you approach leading others?

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Why this works

This question helps assess the PNM's leadership potential and their approach to guiding and supporting others.

8

How do you handle conflicts and what is your approach to resolving disagreements?

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Why this works

This question reveals the PNM's conflict resolution skills and their approach to handling difficult situations.

9

What are your communication preferences and how do you prefer to receive feedback?

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Why this works

This question helps understand the PNM's communication style and their approach to receiving and giving feedback.

10

How do you balance your academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities?

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Why this works

This question helps assess the PNM's time management skills and their ability to balance multiple commitments.

11

What are your interests outside of academics and how do you pursue them?

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Why this works

This question reveals the PNM's personal interests and hobbies, helping assess their well-roundedness and potential for diverse contributions.

12

How do you approach learning and what are your strategies for personal growth?

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Why this works

This question helps assess the PNM's commitment to continuous learning and their approach to personal development.

13

What are your expectations for mentorship and how do you plan to mentor others?

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Why this works

This question reveals the PNM's understanding of mentorship and their commitment to both receiving and providing guidance.

14

How do you handle stress and what are your coping mechanisms?

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Why this works

This question helps assess the PNM's stress management abilities and their approach to maintaining well-being.

15

What are your values and how do they guide your decision-making?

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Why this works

This question reveals the PNM's core values and their approach to ethical decision-making, which are important for organizational alignment.

16

How do you approach diversity and inclusion, and what does it mean to you?

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Why this works

This question helps assess the PNM's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which are important organizational values.

17

What are your expectations for the organization's culture and community?

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Why this works

This question helps ensure the PNM understands and aligns with the organization's culture and community expectations.

18

How do you plan to maintain your commitment to the organization over time?

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Why this works

This question helps assess the PNM's long-term commitment and their approach to maintaining engagement with the organization.

19

What are your questions about our organization and its activities?

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Why this works

This question gives the PNM an opportunity to ask questions and shows their interest in learning more about the organization.

20

Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you or your goals?

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Why this works

This question gives the PNM an opportunity to share any additional information that could help with the evaluation process.

Best Practices for PNM Preference Questions

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Start with Motivation and Goals

Begin by understanding the PNM's motivation for joining and their goals, as this reveals their commitment and alignment with the organization's purpose.

Focus on Values and Culture Fit

Ask about their values, expectations, and approach to diversity and inclusion to ensure they align with the organization's culture and values.

Explore Leadership and Contribution Potential

Understand their leadership experiences, teamwork abilities, and potential contributions to assess their value to the organization.

Question Sequences

The Motivation Explorer

1
What drew you to our organization and what are you hoping to gain from membership?
2
How do you see yourself contributing to our organization and its mission?
3
What are your long-term goals and how do they align with our organization's values?
4
How do you handle challenges and what is your approach to problem-solving?

The Culture Assessor

1
What are your expectations for the time commitment and involvement required?
2
How do you work in team settings and what role do you typically take?
3
What are your leadership experiences and how do you approach leading others?
4
How do you handle conflicts and what is your approach to resolving disagreements?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Ask About Personal Finances

Avoid asking about personal financial situations or family income. Focus on organizational fit and values alignment instead.

Avoid Asking About Other Organizations

Don't ask about their interest in other organizations or compare them to competitors. Focus on their fit with your organization.

Don't Make Assumptions About Background

Ask open-ended questions that allow the PNM to describe their experiences and goals rather than making assumptions about their background.

Question Templates

The Motivation Explorer

1
Step 1: Start with: "What drew you to our organization and what are you hoping to gain from membership?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "How do you see yourself contributing to our organization and its mission?"
3
Step 3: Explore with: "What are your long-term goals and how do they align with our organization's values?"
4
Step 4: Assess with: "How do you handle challenges and what is your approach to problem-solving?"

The Culture Assessor

1
Step 1: Start with: "What are your expectations for the time commitment and involvement required?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "How do you work in team settings and what role do you typically take?"
3
Step 3: Explore with: "What are your leadership experiences and how do you approach leading others?"
4
Step 4: Assess with: "How do you handle conflicts and what is your approach to resolving disagreements?"

Further Reading

The Art of Conversation by Catherine Blyth
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane

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