How do you describe your leadership style? Here are some tips in answering this.
DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE – There is no single approach for all in a leadership and when asked in an interview, here’s how to answer this.
As stated, in leadership, there is no one single approach that works for everyone and in every situation. Being a leader is not just a high position you can use to brag to other people. Being a leader is to be effective with the responsibility – big responsibility – given to you.
You become a leader because of the set of skills, attitudes, and behaviors you have which were developed through years of hard work. In being a leader, you must have a clear sense of direction, motivating and empowering team members, and making tough decisions during necessary moments. You have to have a strong emotional intelligence.
How do you answer this common interview question?
In describing your leadership style, you give an insight to the hiring manager on how you approach leading other people. It can make them determine whether you’ll make or break as a leader in terms of team dynamics and productivity.
The leadership styles:
- TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE
– You are the type who is inspiring and motivating others with a compelling vision, intellectual stimulation, and serves as a role model for ethical behavior. You act as a mentor by creating a collaborative and innovative culture. - TRANSACTIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE
– This is the type of leadership that is focused on rewards and punishments. This tends to be controlling. - DELEGATIVE LEADERSHIP STYLE
– This is the type that is non-controlling. The members are given more power and authority.
In answering this question, align your core values with the culture of the company you are applying for. By studying this, you get to end up an answer that is fitting to their expectations.
Here are some more tips:
- Reflect on your past experiences as a leader.
- Take note of your values such as collaboration, communication, empathy, accountability, or innovation.
- Use and give concrete and real example. Do not lie or make up stories.
- Show self-awareness by acknowledging your weaknesses or areas for improvement then show your openness to learn and grow.
Some examples from Indeed:
“I believe an excellent manager is someone who provides adequate guidance, training and support to the team to ensure they perform optimally. Still, a good manager trusts the team to deliver and provides some form of independence to them in the performance of their duties.”
“Early in my employment as a member of a tour organization, I received a call from some passengers who had waited for a bus for over an hour. At the time, the manager was taking a break, and I couldn’t interfere. Having witnessed the manager resolve similar issues, I used a map and shift schedule to reroute one of our buses to pick the passengers up immediately. The bus got there in under 10 minutes and picked up the passengers. They were grateful for our quick response and left a positive review for the company.”
“I prioritize ensuring everyone has fun in the workplace as my managerial style. I believe when people are comfortable, they can be more productive. For instance, when I led the organizing committee for teacher’s training, I wanted it to be interactive without feeling like a burden. In turn, I incorporated games and prizes to spur interest in the training. As a result, everyone enjoyed themselves, and I was subsequently elected to manage all training sessions throughout the year.”
If you want some more, here are some dos and don’ts in an interview you must remember to help you get that job.
What can you say about this? Let us know in the comments!