Asking Candidates to Define Success

How do you define success?

Simple question — but you will be surprised with the way this question is interpreted and answered. Some personalize it and talk about a nice car or a house, failing perhaps to realize that you are asking about professional success. Some will talk about effort but fail to focus on results. Some will try and turn the question around by asking a question back (e.g. What do YOU define as success). Overall this thought provoking question can yield some solid insights into the candidate you are considering.