Image Credit: Cottonbro Studio via Unsplash
Starting something new? Want to know how it will play out? Put on your detective hat. Clues are everywhere — in the weather, the traffic, the way the receptionist looks up from her desk. As a life coach who reads signs and symbols, here’s my working theory: how something begins is a barometer for what’s ahead. So let’s collect the evidence.
This works for interviews, auditions, production meetings, and new client projects.
One clue is a curiosity. Three clues are a pattern.
Detectives look for corroboration. Some clues are atmospheric: the feeling in the room. Some are behavioral: how people treat you. When several point the same way, pay attention.
Seven Clues: The Detective’s Checklist
Keep your clues in a notebook. Watch for patterns. Review your findings.
1. Weather (Forecast): What was the sky doing on interview day? Was it clear, cloudy, stormy? Consider that an early forecast of the work climate you’re entering.
2. Traffic (Flow): Was the trip smooth, or full of red lights and detours? That’s a flow reading of how systems work inside this organization.
3. Front Desk (Receptivity): How did the front desk greet you? That’s your welcoming committee. Are they friendly, rude, or indifferent?
4. Seating (Power Dynamics): In person or on Zoom, does the seating feel equal, at eye level? Or does it feel like the other person is standing over you?
5. Presence (Level of Attention): Is the person you’re talking with leaning in, showing interest, or fidgeting with their phone or computer?
6. Aesthetics (Art, Color & Space): What art is on the walls: sports, abstract, animals? Art reveals viewpoint. How is the space used? Open or crowded?
7. Leadership (Belonging): Is top management mingling with everyone, or huddled in its own clique? Did anyone introduce you?
Case Files (real clients; names and details have been changed)
Case File: The Saboteur
Daniel was working with a team overseas on a business deal. The team was strong, except for one member. From day one, this person was irritable. Then, there were perpetual delays. Daniel stuck it out for months before he finally chose to work with someone else.
Deduction: When something isn’t working move on, early on.
Case File: Out to Lunch
Rosa had just started a new job when she noticed her supervisor was never in his office. He rarely answered email or phone calls promptly. When a transfer opportunity came up, she took it. Her new boss was more engaged and responsive.
Deduction: Work with people who are present. They’re the ones who will support you.
Case Notes
Every beginning leaves clues. The fun is in noticing them.
Your turn, detective: what clue did you spot at the start of a job that turned out to be true? Share your case in the comments.
