 When it comes to hiring, we often hear advice tailored to job seekers—how they should prepare, present themselves, and impress their interviews. But what about you, the interviewer? Conducting effective interviews is an art and a science. The way you approach this task directly impacts the strength and cohesion of your team. So, how do you refine your interviewing skills to form the best team possible? Let’s introduce the FABRIC Framework for impactful interviews. This actionable guide will help you structure your approach, identify the right candidates, and set the foundation for a stellar team.  1. Focus on Role AlignmentAccording to Forbes, structured interviews—where questions are predetermined and consistent—are 81% more predictive of job performance than unstructured ones. Start by aligning your questions with the job’s key requirements. What skills, experiences, and qualities are essential? What gaps is this new hire expected to fill? Tip: Create a structured scorecard that lists the core competencies required for the role. This ensures that every candidate is evaluated against the same criteria, minimizing bias. 2. Start with Cultural Fit, end with Cultural AddDuring the recruitment process, you may often seek candidates aligned with your organization’s values – a cultural fit to ensure they will stay longer and adapt better in company. However, instead of limiting your recruitment to those who fit the status quo, consider hiring “culture contributors” who bring a unique “cultural add” to your team. As they can not only reflect the value of your firm but also bring a new perspective to diversify the workplace. A McKinsey study found that diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform non-diverse ones. Ask yourself: What fresh perspective can this candidate bring to our team? Tip: Move beyond surface-level questions like “What are your strengths?” Instead, ask behavioral questions like, “Tell me about a time you faced conflict in a team and how you resolved it.” These provide insight into how the candidate’s values align with your company’s culture. 3. Build a ConnectionInterviews can be nerve-wracking for candidates, and a tense atmosphere may prevent them from showing their true potential. Creating a comfortable environment not only helps the candidate relax but also gives you a clearer picture of who they are. Tip: Start the conversation with an icebreaker. Share a bit about your journey within the company or something relatable about the team. 4. Review for Potential, Not Just ExperienceWhile past experience is an indicator of skill, a candidate’s potential for growth is often a better predictor of long-term success. Look for signs of adaptability, problem-solving skills, and eagerness to learn. Tip: Ask forward-thinking questions, such as, “If you were to join our team, what’s one process you’d like to improve, and how would you approach it?” This helps gauge their ability to innovate and contribute. 5. Incorporate Feedback LoopsThe best interviewers are learners themselves. After every interview, reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Seek input from colleagues involved in the hiring process. A study by Glassdoor shows that companies with well-structured hiring processes improve their quality-of-hire metrics by 23%. Tip: Hold a debrief session with your team post-interview. Did everyone observe the same strengths and weaknesses? Consistent feedback loops improve decision-making and help you refine your interviewing approach over time. 6. Communicate ClearlyThroughout the interview process, transparency is key. Make sure candidates know what to expect at every stage and how long it will take. Clear communication reflects your company’s professionalism and builds trust. Tip: After the interview, provide feedback—even if it’s a rejection. A LinkedIn survey revealed that 94% of candidates want feedback if they’re turned down. Thoughtful feedback fosters goodwill and enhances your employer brand. Building high-performing teams Interview is both an art and a science, and the approach you take can significantly influence the cohesion and success of your team. Through Leadership 4.0: Becoming an Effective Manager and Leader course, you'll learn how to master these strategies, allowing you to identify the right talent and build high-performing teams. With consistent feedback loops and a refined approach, you’ll be better equipped to lead with confidence and inspire success within your organization. Besides, these are useful tips if you want to cultivate your skills as a leader:
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Xuan Mai Passionate Learning & Program Officer VSHR Pro Academy
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 In today's rapidly evolving workplace, Gen Z leaders are challenging traditional leadership paradigms. Leadership is not about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions, learning continuously, and inspiring those around you. For young leaders stepping into roles with limited professional experience, the journey may seem daunting. However, with the right mindset and strategic approach, you can turn perceived limitations into powerful leadership advantages. 1. Embrace a Growth Mindset:Many young leaders fall into the trap of self-limiting beliefs:
Key strategies for Mindset Transformation:
By adopting this approach, you not only boost your own confidence but also earn respect from team members who recognize your commitment to personal and professional development. 2. Leveraging Your Unique StrengthsAs a Gen Z leader, you bring distinctive qualities to the leadership landscape:
These strengths can compensate for any perceived lack of traditional experience. By highlighting and strategically applying these attributes, you position yourself as a valuable, forward-thinking leader who can address challenges with creativity and agility.  Case Study: From Uncertainty to Leadership ImpactSarah's Journey: Tech Startup Leadership Sarah, 24, joined a rapidly growing tech startup as a project coordinator with minimal management experience. Instead of being intimidated, she:
3. Strategic Mentorship: Your Leadership AcceleratorNot everyone will proactively offer guidance, so you must:
Learning from seasoned professionals can dramatically accelerate your leadership growth and provide invaluable perspective. 4. Resilience: The Cornerstone of Effective LeadershipLeaders face challenges that team members may never see. Resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but about:
Your ability to navigate challenges demonstrates leadership potential far beyond years of experience.  Stepping into a leadership role with little experience can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to grow, inspire, and make an impact. You can start with a course as the first step, like Leadership 4.0: Becoming an Effective Manager and Leader. Designed to solve leaders’ problems, this course empowers you to build confidence, earn respect, and lead with purpose—even if you’re starting with no experience. Besides, these are useful tips if you want to cultivate your skills as a leader:
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Xuan Mai Passionate Learning & Program Officer VSHR Pro Academy  Standing out as a leader is not an easy task. Many professionals find themselves feeling invisible—unsure how to showcase their skills, values, and vision in a way that commands respect. But to thrive in a competitive market, you need more than just technical expertise. You need a personal leadership brand that positions you as influential, authentic, and trustworthy. So, how do you go from being invisible to influential? It’s not about bragging or forcing yourself into the spotlight. Instead, it’s about intentionally crafting your leadership presence and letting your actions, words, and values speak for themselves. Here’s 5 steps you can apply:  Step 1: Define Your Leadership BrandYour leadership brand is essentially the story you tell the world about who you are as a leader. Ask yourself: “What do I stand for?” “What unique strengths do I bring to the table?” “How do I want others to perceive me?” Defining these elements helps you create a consistent and memorable image. For instance, are you the leader who inspires innovation? Or the one known for cultivating strong team dynamics? When you clarify your niche, people will naturally associate you with those qualities. Step 2: Show, Don’t TellBeing influential isn’t about constantly talking about your accomplishments. It’s about letting your actions demonstrate your capabilities. For example, you can take on leadership roles in team projects, volunteer to mentor junior colleagues, share your insights through presentations, blogs, or LinkedIn posts. When you consistently show up and contribute value, you position yourself as someone others look to for guidance and expertise. Step 3: Build Relationships StrategicallyNo leader rises to influence alone. Building meaningful connections is crucial to amplifying your presence. Start by networking with intention:
According to Forbes, cultivating strong professional relationships is one of the most reliable ways to expand your leadership influence【1】. Step 4: Embrace VisibilityBeing visible in your industry doesn’t mean shouting for attention—it means positioning yourself where opportunities find you. Here’s how:
The key is consistency. Over time, your presence will grow, and people will begin to see you as a credible and influential voice in your field. Step 5: Align Actions with ValuesInfluence without integrity is fleeting. Your leadership brand should always reflect your core values. This means staying true to your principles, even when it’s difficult. Consistency between what you say and what you do builds trust—a non-negotiable for lasting influence. For instance, if you value collaboration, actively foster a culture of teamwork. If you prioritize innovation, lead by example by embracing new ideas and technologies. When your actions align with your values, you’ll inspire loyalty and respect. However, be careful to protect your branding as these mistakes can destroy yours.Take the Next Step with Expert GuidanceBecoming influential isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about showcasing your authentic self in a way that resonates with others. By defining your brand, building relationships, and consistently showing value, you can rise above the noise and position yourself as a leader people trust and admire. If you’re ready to accelerate your journey from invisible to influential, our course, Leadership 4.0: Becoming an Effective Manager and Leader, is your ultimate guide Besides, these are useful tips if you want to cultivate your skills as a leader:
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Xuan Mai Passionate Learning & Program Officer VSHR Pro Academy Since the dawn of modern organizations, meetings have served as the cornerstone of decision-making, collaboration, and strategic planning. Yet, poorly run meetings remain a common complaint, with employees often feeling disengaged or questioning their value. For leaders, understanding how to conduct impactful meetings is not just a skill but a necessity in building team cohesion and driving results.  The Meeting Landscape: Understanding Human Dynamics Meetings trigger diverse psychological responses. Some team members feel anxious, anticipating potential criticism or judgment. Others view meetings as opportunities for collaboration and recognition. Research from the Harvard Business Review reveals that approximately 71% of senior managers consider meetings inefficient and unproductive, highlighting the urgent need for a revolutionary approach.  The 5P Leadership Meeting Model: A Strategic Framework 1. Purpose: Clarity is Power Before scheduling any meeting, define its precise objective. Ask yourself: What specific outcome do you want to achieve? A well-defined purpose acts as a navigational compass, guiding discussions and maintaining focus. 2. Participants: Curate, Don't Congregate Invite only essential team members. Each participant should have a clear role or contribution. Overpopulated meetings dilute productivity and increase complexity. As leadership expert Simon Sinek notes, "Small teams win." 3. Plan: Structure Breeds Success Develop a detailed agenda with time allocations for each discussion point. Send this agenda at least 24 hours in advance, allowing participants to prepare and contribute meaningfully. 4. Participation: Cultivate Inclusive Dialogue Create an environment where every voice matters. Use techniques like round-robin discussions and targeted questioning to ensure comprehensive engagement. Remember, diversity of thought drives innovation. 5. Perspective: Embrace Constructive Reflection Conclude meetings by summarizing key decisions, assigning action items, and gathering immediate feedback. This practice transforms meetings from mundane discussions to strategic development opportunities.  07 innovative ways to run a more effective meeting Meetings are a cornerstone of leadership, but often feel unproductive. With more teams working remotely or in hybrid settings, leaders must rethink how meetings are structured. Here are several strategies to make your meetings more impactful. 1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in Meetings Leaders who understand their team’s emotions and respond empathetically foster trust and communication. Research shows that leaders with high EQ tend to have more engaged teams (Goleman, 1998). By actively listening and recognizing emotional cues, leaders create a space where everyone feels heard and valued, leading to more productive discussions and collaboration. 2. The Power of Silent Moments Silence during meetings is an often-overlooked tool. Pauses allow participants to reflect and digest information, encouraging more thoughtful contributions. Rather than filling every moment with talk, leaders should embrace silence after asking key questions. These quiet moments can prompt deeper reflection and encourage quieter team members to share their thoughts, leading to more dynamic and inclusive conversations. 3. Outcome-Focused, Not Just Time-Driven Meetings should be focused on achieving results rather than merely sticking to a time schedule. While keeping track of time is important, it’s the outcomes that matter. Leaders should start each meeting with clear objectives and ensure that all discussions align with these goals. This approach helps make meetings more productive and results-oriented. 4. Storytelling as a Leadership Tool It can transform a standard meeting into a memorable experience. By sharing relevant anecdotes or case studies, leaders make complex topics more relatable and engaging. Stories create emotional connections and help team members understand the bigger picture. Leaders can use storytelling to illustrate key points, inspire their teams, and foster a sense of shared purpose, making meetings more impactful and motivating. 5. Mini-Breaks for Mental Clarity Long meetings can lead to burnout, diminishing productivity. Integrating short breaks of 5 minutes or so into longer meetings helps participants recharge and regain focus. These brief breaks encourage creativity and improve overall engagement. Studies show that taking breaks boosts cognitive function and focus, ensuring that teams remain productive and mentally sharp throughout longer sessions (Kim, S., Cho, S., & Park, Y., 2022). 6. Post-Meeting Reflection for Continuous Improvement The best leaders consistently seek feedback to improve their meetings. After each session, ask for input from participants on what worked well and what could be improved. This feedback loop helps refine future meetings, making them more efficient and effective. By actively listening to feedback, leaders can identify areas for improvement and foster a culture of continuous development within their teams. Leadership Development: Your Journey Starts Here Leadership is about driving results while empowering others to succeed. Meetings are a reflection of leadership style, and poorly run meetings can undermine a leader's credibility. For first-time leaders, mastering the art of effective meetings is a critical step in their development journey. Moreover, you can take our Leadership 4.0: Becoming an Effective Manager and Leader course equips leaders with the skills to run impactful meetings and navigate the challenges of team management. From setting clear objectives to fostering collaboration, this course provides actionable insights to help you lead with confidence. Leadership isn’t just about leading; it’s about ensuring every interaction, including meetings, drives value and fosters growth. Besides, these are useful tips if you want to cultivate your skills as a leader:
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Xuan Mai Passionate Learning & Program Officer VSHR Pro Academy  Imagine this: you are leading your first project, fully consumed by its demands, and everything else fades into the background. Your thoughts revolve around deadlines, deliverables, and decisions, turning the project into your only priority. Without realizing it, you are entangled in the jungle of work-life imbalance. Work-life balance is not just a personal goal—it’s a key aspect of effective leadership. According to CNBC, 40% of leaders believe it’s impossible to achieve both personal and career goals at the same time. In Vietnam, work-life balance is especially important (Ha, 2023), with 73.4% of job seekers citing it as their main priority when accepting a job offer (Nga, 2022). For first-time leaders, achieving this balance is essential—not only for their own well-being but also to build a healthy, motivated, and productive team.  Challenges for First-Time Leaders New leaders often struggle with work-life balance due to:
 Case Study: Employee Well-Being in Ho Chi Minh City’s Banking SectorA study on employees in Ho Chi Minh City’s banking sector emphasizes the critical role of Internal Corporate Social Responsibility (ICSR) and a supportive work-family culture in enhancing employee well-being. The research found that when organizations prioritize ICSR initiatives—such as promoting employee health, offering flexible work arrangements, and supporting family-friendly policies—employees experience greater life satisfaction. This, in turn, helps them manage the balance between professional and personal responsibilities. The findings highlight that such efforts not only contribute to a more fulfilling work environment but also lead to higher employee concentration and productivity. By fostering a culture where employees feel supported both in their careers and personal lives, companies can improve overall performance while ensuring that their workforce remains engaged and loyal. However, Is Work-Life Balance Truly Achievable?Despite the emphasis on work-life balance, some argue it is more of an ideal than a reality. As Ken Coleman stated: “There is no real balance between work and life.” The nature of modern work, especially in leadership roles, often blurs the lines between personal and professional commitments. Leaders may feel that sacrifices in one area are inevitable to succeed in another. Yet, while perfect balance may be unattainable, striving for harmony between work and life remains crucial. Leaders can redefine balance as an ongoing process rather than a fixed state, where priorities shift based on circumstances. Instead of chasing perfection, leaders can focus on integrating their roles and responsibilities in ways that support both their personal and professional goals. For first-time leaders, although achieving work-life balance seems to be impossible, it is not out of reach. By setting clear boundaries, learning to delegate, and focusing on progress rather than perfection, leaders can support both their own well-being and their team’s success. While finding the perfect balance may be unrealistic, striving for a healthier work-life integration is key to sustainable leadership and long-term success. The journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about making choices that help you grow as a leader while maintaining the balance needed to thrive personally and professionally. Find Balance and Lead Effectively with Leadership 4.0: Becoming an Effective Manager and Leader If you’ve ever felt lost in the “workload jungle” as a first-time leader, our Leadership 4.0: Becoming an Effective Manager and Leader course is here to guide you. Drawing from real-world challenges like overcommitment, blurred boundaries, and the struggle to delegate, this course equips you with practical strategies to achieve work-life harmony while excelling in your role. Learn how to manage perfectionism, foster team collaboration, and prioritize both personal and professional goals. With Leadership 4.0: Becoming an Effective Manager and Leader, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to lead effectively without compromising your well-being. Useful resources:
References: Ha, C. (2023) Work-life balance prioritised by employees in Vietnam, HRM Asia. Available at: Here Nga, M. (2022) Work-life balance deciding factor for Vietnamese job seekers - Vnexpress. Available at: Here Author information:
Xuan Mai Passionate Learning & Program Officer VSHR Pro Academy The transition to leadership is a defining moment in any professional’s career. Yet, for first-time managers, stepping into this role often feels like being thrust into uncharted waters. Being a leader is not just about having a new position but also about the responsibility, challenges, and transformation that come with guiding others. The real question is: Are you prepared to lead, or are you simply ready to be called a leader? For first-time managers, this distinction is critical. Many new leaders find themselves caught off guard by the complexities of leadership, from managing relationships to making high-stakes decisions.  During leading a project or company, you’re expected to handle multiple responsibilities and navigate complex situations. Leaders must make decisions, manage conflicts, provide guidance, and set strategic directions—tasks that require specific skills and knowledge. When unprepared, a leader might struggle with:
Proper preparation equips leaders with the tools, confidence, and strategies needed to manage these challenges, making the role more manageable and successful. 
Now let’s explore this Case Study: Leadership Training vs. No Training  1. Performance and Productivity: Employees who received leadership training showed a 25% increase in productivity compared to untrained counterparts. Trained leaders are more equipped to manage teams effectively, resulting in higher team output and problem-solving efficiency. 2. Career Growth: Trained leaders were 62% more likely to be promoted within three years compared to those who didn’t receive training. Leadership training equips individuals with essential skills like strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and effective communication, which are highly valued in management roles. 3. Income Growth: Professionals who underwent formal leadership training reported earning an average of 20% higher salaries than those who relied solely on on-the-job experience. This disparity underscores the financial value of structured training in career development. Are You Truly Ready? The transition to leadership is as much about preparation as it is about opportunity. Recognizing the skills you need and the gaps you must address is the first step to becoming an effective manager. This is where Leadership 4.0: Becoming an Effective Manager and Leader comes in—a course designed to transform first-time managers into confident, capable leaders. Leadership is not just a badge of honor—it’s a journey of growth and responsibility. For first-time leaders, preparation is the key to unlocking their potential and building a foundation for long-term success. Leadership 4.0: Becoming an Effective Manager and Leader offers the guidance, frameworks, and confidence you need to step into your new role with purpose. Don’t let the challenges of leadership hold you back. Equip yourself with the skills to lead effectively and inspire your team to achieve greatness. In conclusion, the title of leader is earned, not given. Are you ready to prove yourself? Your journey to effective leadership: Besides, access to these if you want to cultivate your skill as a leader:
References: 5 signs you should not be a leader. Laurie Maddalena. Available at: Here. Author information: Xuan Mai Passionate Learning & Program Officer VSHR Pro Academy |
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