The Bull Don’t Care…
(Approx. 3 Min Read)
by Stan B. Walters – The Lie Guy®
ORCID 0009-0002-1063-0519
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After winning a championship, legendary bull rider Tuff Hedeman reportedly packed his bags and moved on to the next event instead of lingering over the celebration. His explanation: “The bull don’t care what I did last week.” Kentucky tight ends coach Derek Shay used that line to remind his players to stay present. It belongs in the interview room, too. Our past successes, preferred methods, and carefully prepared questions cannot substitute for paying attention to the person sitting across from us. Effective interviewing requires us to stay present, recognize what the subject gives us, and adapt.
Listen Beyond What You Want to Hear
Staying present begins with listening for more than the answer we want. When we become focused on hearing a denial, an admission, or confirmation of our theory, we can miss information we need to hear. Mentally rehearsing the next question takes our attention away from the current response. A carefully prepared question has little value if our preoccupation with asking it causes us to miss an unexpected disclosure.
Your Subject Has a Vote
Recognizing what the subject gives us also means understanding their need to establish context. The answer we seek is often behind a point the subject needs to make first. They may need to explain a relationship, describe what preceded an event, or correct something they believe we have misunderstood. The subject has a vote in the path the conversation takes. What sounds like a detour may reveal how they understand the event—and provide the opening we need. Cutting them short can cost us both the context and the information that follows.
Keep Your Purpose. Adapt Your Approach.
Adapting requires enough versatility to work with what unfolds. If we are married to a single methodology, we may spend the interview trying to force the subject into a process that no longer fits. Our purpose should guide us, while the subject’s responses inform our next move. That takes judgment: knowing when to probe, when to clarify, when to allow silence, and when to follow an unanticipated direction. Preparation gives us options; staying present helps us choose among them.
Be Present for What Comes Your Way
The bull don’t care… which method we prefer, how well it worked last week, or what question comes next on our list. Each interview requires our attention to the person and circumstances in front of us. Listen beyond what you expect. Give the subject room to establish the context. Be willing and able to adjust. You cannot take what comes to you if you are not present when it arrives.
© Copyright 2026 by Stan B. Walters – All Rights Reserved.
Brief excerpts may be quoted with attribution and a link to the original article. Reproduction, redistribution, or use in training materials requires written permission.
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