In this guide, we check out how to answer one of the most commonly asked leadership-related questions, “How to Answer What is Your Leadership Style”. The results of surveys vary, but we know that most organisations say they’re experiencing a leadership gap.
Thousands of highly experienced staff members either leave a company or retire each year. It is increasingly the case where businesses are finding it difficult to replace such individuals.
In a job interview, you can expect the hiring manager to try and find out more about your leadership skills. You need to convince them that you can lead a team and are someone looking to progress in your career.
Click the button to start applying for Jobs in Ireland
.
Apply for Jobs in Ireland
How to Answer the Interview Question: “What is Your Leadership Style?”
If a hiring manager asks this question, it likely means they are looking at leadership as a significant factor when deciding who to pick. You don’t necessarily need to have direct experience as a manager or supervisor.
The role itself might not require leadership skills. However, it is a sign that the organisation seeks to bring more leaders on board to help in the future.
When answering this question, here a few things to include:
- Outline a System: The hiring manager wants to find out if you have uncovered a leadership method that works for you. They know that there is no one-size-fits-all way to go about the process. It is also essential for you to sound like a reasonable leader. The company is unlikely to want an autocrat.
- Cite Examples: If possible, avoid saying that you have never had to lead anyone. Even if you have to go back to secondary school when you were the chess team captain, find an occasion when you were in charge. Then you can provide a specific example of how and when you used your leadership skills.
- Why It Is Valuable: The ‘it’ in this instance is your leadership style. You need to communicate it and explain why you feel it works for you or is valuable in a general sense.
What Are the Best Leadership Styles?
There are several specific leadership ‘styles,’ including:
- Autocratic
- Laissez-Faire
- Strategic
- Democratic
- Coach-Style
- Bureaucratic
- Transformational
- Transactional
There is no ‘best’ or ‘worst’ style as it depends on the company culture. In general, organisations in the modern era tend to steer clear of autocratic leaders. Evidence suggests that employees are less likely to respond to this leadership style.
The growing trend is towards coach-style leadership, although plenty of companies prefer democratic, transformational, or transactional. The truth is, unless you are an experienced manager or supervisor, you probably haven’t determined the best leadership style for you.
Ready to work in Ireland? Check these Jobs in Ireland and apply!
How Do I Describe My Leadership Style?
First of all, you need to acknowledge that no one style is ideal for every situation. For example, coach-style is probably not the right option when deadlines are looming. If there is a company crisis, a firmer hand is potentially required. Before you describe your style, think about what you consider to be ‘good’ management.
Ultimately, you need to point out that you are not married to any single leadership style. This is because you believe in flexibility, depending on the situation. Rather than sticking rigidly to one method, you assess the situation and decide from there. For example, you may prefer a democratic style but recognise that employees’ health and safety depend on explicit instruction.
What Answers Should I Avoid?
First and foremost, make sure you don’t say you have never led anyone. Find an example from your past and run with it if necessary. This is a much better strategy than saying you have never managed or supervised but are a born leader!
It is also crucial for you to show flexibility. Under no circ*mstances should you say you implement a rigid system that you expect subordinates to adhere to. Avoid any answer that makes you see superior to your underlings or otherwise suggests that you have minimal respect for your team.
How to Answer “What is Your Leadership Style?” Examples
Let’s check out a few sample answers. Please note that an interviewer may ask, “what is your management style?” instead.
“While I have not yet been able to determine what my leadership style is, I know from experience that the most successful leaders are adaptable and flexible. These individuals pay attention to their team’s needs, understand the importance of camaraderie, and respect the individual. My last manager knew when to push and when to hold back.
For example, hewould coach employees in need of further instruction during quiet periods. However, when things got busy, he stepped up and was very clear in what he expected. I have never been a manager but was the captain of the debate and chess teams at college. I ensured that each team member knew their role and would make switches depending on the best match-ups. After games, I would provide constructive feedback regardless of the result. Both teams won consecutive national titles.”
“I believe that it is best to alter leadership styles whenever necessary. For example, I like bringing the team together when there is time to relax. I feel that a tight-knit team works well and realise that it is a style with long-term rather than short-term success. When a difficult situation crops up, I like to act quickly and delegate tasks to the most suitable team members while getting to work myself. Unless it is a crisis, I tend to avoid being excessively firm.”
Final Thoughts on Answering “What is Your Leadership Style?”
When preparing for an interview, make sure you practice answering as many interview questions as possible. The “what is your leadership style?” question could be one of the most important.
When answering it, make sure you outline that you are flexible and understand the company culture. It would help if you also showed that while you can make the hard decisions, you also care about your team’s welfare.
