Dear Bob ... I'm not sure what to do. I just interviewed a highly recommended candidate for an executive position. When we discussed the technical and management aspects of the job it was clear he's done the job before and can do it again without breaking a sweat. I generally ask a few questions to explore a candidate's character. This one was what situation in his career caused him to do the most soul-searching Dear Bob …I’m not sure what to do. I just interviewed a highly recommended candidate for an executive position. When we discussed the technical and management aspects of the job it was clear he’s done the job before and can do it again without breaking a sweat.I generally ask a few questions to explore a candidate’s character. This one was what situation in his career caused him to do the most soul-searching, or caused the biggest challenge or difficulty. He couldn’t think of any. Then I asked what, in the job for which we’re interviewing him, he’ll find to be the greatest stretch.“Nothing,” he answered.What do you think? On paper he’d be a great hire, and I need to fill this position quickly, but my instincts tell me to find someone else. – Impatient but instinctiveDear Impatient …Instincts my left cerebral hemisphere. Your cold hard logic is telling you this is the wrong guy. It’s your instincts that are causing your heartburn because you’re impatient to make a hire and want him to be the right candidate. I’m saying cold hard logic for the obvious reasons:* A candidate who can’t think of a situation that caused him any sleepless nights either (a) hasn’t been through one, which means neither of you know how he’ll handle any of the knuckleballs he’ll be likely to see in your organization; (b) he has, and isn’t being straight with you; or (c) he has, and isn’t being straight with himself. None of these alternatives are promising.* A candidate who can’t think of anything about a new job that’s a stretch either (a) isn’t stretching, which means he’s coasting, which means he won’t be pushing the envelope very hard; or (b) he’s so unimaginative that he doesn’t understand what you’re asking him to do. Neither of these alternatives is very promising, either. So while I know you’re impatient, I think you should wait until a better candidate shows up. When one does, that’s the time to be impatient – to make the hire and get started.– Bob Technology Industry