Leadership

If you are a team leader or holding a leader position in an organization, then you must checkout these leadership interview questions, that can surely help you.

Q.1 What are the key values that you demonstrate as a leader?

Sample Answer -
"As a leader the most important value that I believe in is my integrity together with honesty and trust in all my actions to establish credibility as a leader. Such that by having this conviction behind my words and actions, those who I lead are gain bought into the direction I take them.

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Q.2 How do you gain commitment from your team?

Sample Answer -
As a leader my focus is to gain commitment from my teams by influencing and persuading them to set specific objectives and buy into the process. Such that after they have established cooperation and cohesion, they are on board to achieve the set goal.

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Q.3 Why do you think a leader would fail?

Sample Answer - "I believe that any leader would fail when they cannot get their team together on board with the goals of the organization. Also the factors which are outside the control of a leader may also lead to failures like available resources, time constraints, and the economy." You are also suggested to give example you give, and make sure you talk about how you handled a difficult challenge and how you analyzed the setback. Also tell how you work towards obtaining honest feedback to ensure that you learned from the failure.

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Q.4 As a leader what do you do so that you get others to accept your ideas?

Sample Answer -
As a leader I generally speak about the benefits of the idea and how to apply it. Also I stay open to other thoughts and alter my ideas so that all can agree. Therefore when I gain others approval, I am much more successful in attaining the goals than when you make it mandatory to follow procedure.

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Q.5 How do you praise a team member in public?

Sample Answer -
As a leader I would use a time when we all would be gathered in a group, like a meeting to bring up the praise to the team member. Also the motive would be to appreciate his success in front of the group so others could also learn best practices.

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Q.6 Do you feel it is necessary to meet with your team?

Sample Answer -
As a team leader I feel that I should meet my team at least once a week on a set time and day of the week. Since I strongly believe communication among team members is very critical, also this gives the team an opportunity to get together on a regular basis and talk about the challenges faced and suggested practices. Also, for any events like a new project begins, an award or promotion is given, or in a challenging situation, I would want to bring the team together, so that everyone feels a part of the team and come together in challenging times.

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Q.7 As a team leader how do would you go about getting cohesion among a team who disagree?

Sample Answer -
In such a situation I would find common ground between the members who disagree. Thereafter talk about the importance of the overall goal and the implications when we do not come together to achieve it. I would make them understand how important it is to work together in agreement so that it is a win/win situation for both parties.

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Q.8 Have you mentored to another aspiring leader?

Sample Answer -
Yes I did mentored another aspiring leader, wherein I treated it much like the relationship that I have with my team. I work towards building a strong working relationship with the person, listened to their goals, gave advice, and my personal experience. Also I shared my best practices and continuously monitored their progress to celebrate their success and move them in the right direction.

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Q.9 What according to is the most difficult part of being a leader?

Sample Answer -
As a leader I am expected to manage the team and bring them together to work towards achieving the goal, As a leader’ it is my responsibility to see the end goal and vision of an organization to lead others towards it. But when others do visualize it the same way, we are required to be the lone voice to bring them back on track.

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Q.10 As a leader, how do you handle change?

Sample Answer -
Being the team leader, we are required to be the first one to embrace change since if we don’t like those around you will quickly see that. Also I am required to ensure that I can communicate the change with the conviction that it’s the right path to adopt. For this I prepare by ensuring that I have answers for all questions that may be asked, or find resources to answer them. Also I patiently listen to others concerns about the change and help them through the transition.

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Q.11 What steps do you take when you are unsure about achieving the goals?

Sample Answer -
As a leader I am open to feedback and be willing to ask for help when not clear on how to achieve a goal. I would also use other resources available to find the best course of action to achieve the goal.

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Q.12 What strategies would you use to share bad news with your team?

Sample Answer -
As a leader it is my responsibility to bring the team together and state the news. Also I would explain as to why it occurred and the steps needed to take in the future. I would also ask the team to share their opinion and concerns, answer questions, and share their viewpoints to know how we can avoid a similar situation.

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Q.13 Do you think is competition among a team considered healthy?

Sample Answer -
I believe competition in a team is very good as long as it is in good spirit. The team must have a high level of cohesion among its members to avoid any misunderstandings. Being the team leader it’s my responsibility to ensure positivity when there is a competition and monitor it continuously.

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Q.14 What technique do you use to build support for your ideas with employees who do not report to you and on whom you have no authority?

Sample Answer -
In such a situations where I am required to build support for my ideas with cross-functional teams, I make sure that I voice my opinion in an extremely clear and effective manner. In order to develop effective relationship I will listen to their feedback and ideas carefully, together with any alterations suggested if they are necessary to build support or improve on the idea. My motive is to build an environment where I seek for input and validate my idea by explaining why its the best possible route.

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Q.15 Share any situation when an employee disagreed with your decisions and policies and steps you took to handled the situation?

Sample Answer -
As an incharge it is my responsibility to hear them out to understand reason for disagreement. Once I am clear on the reason I would go back and re-explain the directive and reasons for it. Also I would sincerely listen to their feedback and if it is the correct thing to do, then will make necessary changes to the policies. In case his opinion or feedback does suffice the objective, then I would stick to the facts as to why their commitment is necessary.

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Q.16 What is your style or method to delegate responsibilities to your team?

Sample Answer -
In order to delegate responsibilities to the team members I tend to match the required responsibilities to the strength of each team member. In case there is a team member who is working towards improving an aspect, then I will give them the opportunity to take on the task and make sure they have the required tools to be successful. Also I would monitor their progress with the desired goals

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Q.17 What technique do you use to rally your team in difficult projects?

Sample Answer -
In difficult times I tend to communicate my confidence in their ability to complete the project. Also I make sure that I remove all possible obstacles so that they have all the tools required to complete the task. Also I ensure that there are clear expectations and open communication.

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Q.18 What steps do you take to encourage the development of your employees?

Sample Answer -
As a mentor it is my responsibility to develop the skills of my employees and give effective performance feedback on a regular basis, and constant coaching. Also I take personal interest in the development of my employees, such that when they see the commitment towards their growth, they are all the more motivated.

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Q.19 What is your strategy to remain engaged in a conversation?

Sample Answer -
In order to remain engaged in a conversation I actively listen to the other person and paraphrasing what others say to me. In this way it ensures that I am on the same page as the other person and also keeps me attentive to the conversation and other person motivated to speak.

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Q.20 Is competition among a team healthy? Why or why not?

What I believe is competition among a team is good as long as it is in good spirit. A team has to have a high level of cohesion among its members to prevent misunderstandings. As a leader, it’s my responsibility to ensure that when there is a competition that it is being monitored to ensure its positivity.

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Q.21 What are the most difficult decisions to make?

It’s difficult to take the decision to let an employee go. However, if they are not performing the way that they should be, it is the right decision. It is never easy to make a decision that will impact a person’s life.

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Q.22 How would you proceed to reorganize your team?

First I'd look at the overall goals of the respective organization and then I'll give my level best to match my team's strength up with the Organization.

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Q.23 Consider there are people who do not report to you and you have got no authority over, so how would you build support ideas/goals with them?

In such situation where I must build support for my ideas with cross-functional teams, I'll ensure that I communicate my opinion clearly and effectively to them. Also, I'll listen to their feedback and their ideas, and I will make amends if they are necessary to build support or improve on the idea. I promote an environment where an input is sought and validates my idea by explaining why its the best route.

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Q.24 How do you go about resolving a conflict?

When it comes to conflict I'll opt for a mediated approach. What I believe is that it’s important to listen to both sides and understand where each is coming from. There is usually some common ground between any conflict, and I start there and build.

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Q.25 There came a time when an employee disagreed with your directive, then did you handle it?

Yes, in my career I've experienced such an event, 'I heard them out to understand why they disagreed'. I had have to go back and re-explain the directive and reasons for it. I listened to their feedback and it was the right thing to do, take it to change the directive.
However, if that is not the case, I would stick to the facts as to why their commitment is necessary here.

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Q.26 Whom would you consider the most important member of your team?

There must be a balance in every field of work, so for me everyone is equally important. Each person has hoi/her own different contribution to the team, and that what makes us as a whole stronger.

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Q.27 How do you delegate responsibilities to your team?

I match up responsibilities with each member’s strengths. If I have a team member who is working on improving an aspect, I will give them the opportunity to take on the task and ensure they have the tools necessary to be successful. I would monitor their progress as well.

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Q.28 What is your way to formulate and present arguments to others?

First, I look at all sides of an argument so I know what may come up when I present my position. I base my arguments strictly on the objective facts.

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Q.29 What is your strategy to remain engaged in a conversation?

I actively listen by paraphrasing what others say to me. That ensures that I am on the same page as the other person and keeps me attentive to the conversation.

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Q.30 How do you organize projects and tasks?

Organizing Project and tasks involve an active mind, the most important and time-sensitive should be in in your Priority list.

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Q.31 What role does leadership plays to a manager?

To communicate with clarity to the strategic vision to the management team, is what is the role of the manager involves. This vision must be able to be in the form of a clear direction and plans. There should be clear objectives timeliness, priories, performance measures, and accountability.

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Q.32 State the most important values you demonstrate as a leader?

The integrity should be your most important value. To establish credibility as a leader One must demonstrate honesty and trust in all the actions. By having this conviction behind your words and actions, those who you lead are gain bought into the direction you take them.

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Q.33 Have you ever experienced commitment from your team?

By influencing and persuading them to set specific objectives and also buy into the process, this lead to a great commitment from my team's part. And once they have established cooperation and cohesion, they are on board to procure the goal.

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Q.34 How can a leader fail? present us with an example of it.

When they can’t get their team on board with the goals of the organization, a leader fails. Factors outside of a leader’s control may also lead to failures such as time constraints, available resources, and the economy.

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Q.35 What difference a Team leader holds from a Team manager?

A manger is able to handle tasks and responsibilities and ensure that others get their work done. While, a leader will inspire and motivate their team to procure their goals.

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Q.36 How do you achieve objectives in a fast-paced environment?

I ensure that the team knows the objectives and the timeliness that have been set. I place milestones so each member can check their progress.

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