When interviewing for a new position, understanding the leadership style of your potential manager is crucial. This insight can inform you about the work environment, how decisions are made, and what you can expect in terms of support and guidance. Below are three examples of questions you can ask that focus on the leadership style of the manager.
Asking how a manager makes decisions can reveal their leadership style and how collaborative or independent they are in their approach. This question is particularly relevant for roles where teamwork and communication are essential.
“Can you describe your decision-making process when faced with a challenging project? How do you involve your team in that process?”
This question allows candidates to gauge whether the manager favors a collaborative approach or if they tend to make decisions independently. It also offers insight into how they value team input, which can be critical for team dynamics.
Understanding how a manager provides feedback can illustrate their leadership style and commitment to employee development. This question is useful for candidates who prioritize growth and learning in their careers.
“How do you typically give feedback to your team members, and how often do you hold performance reviews?”
This question uncovers whether the manager provides regular, constructive feedback or if they wait for formal reviews. It also indicates their approach to employee development and if they foster an environment of continuous improvement.
Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, and understanding how a manager handles it can provide insight into their leadership style. This question is essential for candidates seeking a positive and constructive work environment.
“Can you share an example of a conflict that arose in your team and how you handled it? What was the outcome?”
This question helps candidates understand the manager’s approach to conflict resolution, whether they encourage open dialogue or prefer a more authoritative stance. The outcome shared can also reflect the effectiveness of their leadership style in maintaining team harmony.
By asking these questions, candidates can gain deeper insights into a manager’s leadership style, enabling them to make informed decisions about their potential fit within the organization.