Next Steps in Hiring

So there I was, watching the presidential debate and munching popcorn and it struck me - this election is nothing but a very public (and drawn out) old-fashioned hiring process.  We're forcing candidates through a stressful obstacle course, examining their values, asking behavioral questions, and making a group decision on the management team for the next four years.

Clearly, the process could use some help.  How about applying some "next step" Human Resource Planning and Talent Acquisition and Lean HR ideas....

We could get better results if..

- We could use valid pre-hire assessment tools to match the candidates to a benchmark of the ideal president.  Build the benchmark by going through past living Presidents and testing them (only the high performers, of course) and adding benchmark data from business and military leaders that would make a powerful standard for employment.  Colin Powell.  Herb Kelleher of Southwest.  Gordon Bethune of Continental.  Use the Profile XT - it has a distortion score so we can tell if they're being candid.  Perhaps that would eliminate most of the candidates right there...

- Develop a standard application form that asks the questions that make a real difference up front, and have the candidates fill it out when they file their candidacy.  Make them available online or email a copy to every citizen, and we could do an apples-to-apples comparison.  Make the questions required.

My proposed questions -

What is the best job you ever had?  Why?
What makes a great leader?  What prevents you from achieving that standard?
How do you handle stress?

And, of course,

If elected, what can we do to help the Chicago Cubs win a World Series?

Okay, maybe a more reasonable question would be about peace in our time.

Your thoughts?  What would your questions be on a Presidential application form?