When interviewing for a leadership role, you'll likely face questions that do a deep dive into your leadership skills, qualities, and decision-making abilities. Naturally, interviewers are looking for candidates that can effectively inspire, motivate, and lead teams while navigating challenging hurdles and making smart decisions. So how do you communicate your skill set effectively in these interviews? Start by understanding the types of questions that measure leadership abilities, and prepare solutions that highlight your experience, approach, and adaptability.
We’ve got your back, so keep reading as we discuss several types of leadership-related interview questions, such as direct questions and scenario-based questions. Then we'll share examples of some frequent leadership interview questions, as well as descriptions of what interviewers look for and even go over some sample responses.
Types of leadership interview questions
- Direct questions: These are (typically) easy, or at the very least fairly straight-forward style questions that ask about your leadership experience, characteristics, and preferences. For example, "What makes you a good leader?" Alternatively, "How would you describe your leadership style?"
- Scenario-based questions: As the name suggests, these questions require you to consider and then relay how you would handle a hypothetical scenario. Scenario-based questions allow interviewers to examine your problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills in the context of the real world.
- Behavioral questions: These questions assess your previous experiences using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique. A good example is: "Tell me about a time when you led a team through a challenging situation."
Sample Interview Questions
Now, let's take a look at some frequently asked interview questions about leadership skills and what they’re really asking about. We’re also including some examples of how to respond to them, but remember, everyone is a little bit different, and these responses are starting guidelines for how to show off your existing skills and experience.
1. "Tell me about a time when you had to lead a team through a challenging project."
What the interviewer wants to know: This question evaluates your capacity to manage challenging circumstances and effectively manage a team under crisis. All projects go through road blocks, but they want to specifically know how you overcame obstacles, inspired your group, and made sure projects were completed successfully.
Sample Answer: "At my previous employment, we were working on a high-stakes project with a tight deadline when two important team members left halfway through. As the team leader, I understood I needed to maintain strong morale and promptly redistribute duties. I planned a meeting to reassign work based on each team member's strengths and encouraged open conversation to address any concerns. I also made myself readily available for extra one-on-one check-ins with the team. Through teamwork and engagement, we were able to make the deadline and completed the assignment successfully. I learned a lot about the value of adapting and keeping a strong team spirit, especially during difficult circumstances.”
2. "How do you handle conflict within your team?"
What the interviewer wants to know: Leadership frequently requires dealing with a whole host of issues in a productive manner, and we know that communication and team synergy is more important than ever. The interviewer is interested in your abilities to resolve conflicts, communicate effectively, and maintain team unity. They may also be looking to gauge your empathy skills.
Sample answer: "I believe in resolving problems directly and respectfully. In a previous employment, two team members had opposing views on how to approach a project, which created conflict. To solve for this, I brought them together and advised a discussion in which each could comfortably and safely express their viewpoint. Subsequently, we were able to establish a compromise that suited all parties by re-concentrating on the project's goals during a solutions-oriented conversation. Active listening and empathy are critical for conflict resolution and fostering a collaborative work atmosphere, and often the project is stronger for it.”
3. "Describe your leadership style."
What the interviewer wants to know: This question aims to determine whether your leadership style is compatible with the company's culture and role. The interviewer wants to see how you drive your team, make decisions, and lead people to success.
Sample answer: "My leadership style is collaborative and supportive. I believe in empowering my team by giving them the necessary resources and then the liberty to succeed. For example, in a previous project, I encouraged team members to take ownership of their respective areas while providing direction and feedback as needed. I also appreciate transparency, therefore I make an effort to communicate openly and include the team in decision-making processes. This strategy has helped me build trust with my staff and create an environment in which everyone feels valued."
4. "How do you motivate your team, especially during difficult times?"
What the interviewer wants to know: This question assesses your capacity to keep a team motivated and focused, particularly when difficulties arise like, say, a global pandemic. The interviewer wants to know if you are able to find creative and productive ways to boost morale and team engagement.
Sample answer: "Understanding each team member's individual abilities and needs is essential for motivation, especially during times of hardship. I try to notice and appreciate small successes along the way to keep my team’s spirits up. During a challenging phase of a project last year, our team increased short check-ins so we could acknowledge progress and address issues without bogging down the project. I also endeavored to be open and transparent about the project's importance and how it fit with our team's aims. This helped the team stay focused and feel like their efforts were making a significant difference."
5. "Can you give an example of a decision you made that was unpopular with your team? How did you handle it?"
What the interviewer wants to know: This question measures your decision-making skills and, more importantly, your capacity to handle resistance. Interviewers want to know how you balance team feedback and making difficult decisions for better results.
Sample answer: "In my last job, I had to make a challenging choice to reallocate some team members to a more important project. Although this was vital for the company's aims, it was controversial because it threw off our present project's timeline and unfortunately had to disrupt team synergy. To be proactive, I clearly stated the logic behind the decision and worked with each team member to change their assignments accordingly. I also made myself available for any queries and checked in frequently to ensure that everyone was comfortable during the changeover. While it was not an easy decision, it ultimately benefited the company, and my team valued the transparency and support."
6. "How do you ensure that all voices are heard in your team?"
What the interviewer wants to know: This question concerns inclusion and the consideration of diverse perspectives. The interviewer seeks leadership skills that foster a collaborative and respectful environment.
Sample answer: "Fostering an inclusive environment in which everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas is very important to me. In meetings and one-on-one, I make a point of inviting feedback from all team members, particularly finding ways to communicate with those who may be a bit quieter. We also used anonymous feedback questionnaires, which allow everyone to freely express their ideas. By creating an environment in which everyone feels respected, I believe we can leverage diverse perspectives that contribute to greater decision-making and innovation."
7. "How do you set and communicate goals with your team?"
What the interviewer wants to know: Goal-setting is an important aspect of leadership, and the interviewer wants to see if you can set clear, attainable objectives and effectively convey them to your team. They may also be looking to see how you can handle changing deadlines or goals, and ensure your team stays on track during those changes.
Sample answer: "When defining goals with my team, I use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to make sure our targets are clear and realistic. From the get, I involve team members in the goal-setting process to give them ownership, input, and accountability. Once goals have been established, I re-communicate them on a regular basis through team meetings and project management tools to ensure that everyone is on the same page and we can identify challenges as early as possible. This strategy has helped my staff remain focused and involved in achieving our goals."
Next steps
Preparing for leadership skills interview questions requires reflecting on past experiences and articulating your approach to managing and motivating teams. By practicing responses to questions like these, you'll be well-prepared to demonstrate your leadership skills. Remember that interviewers are looking for examples of how you can handle real-world difficulties, resolve conflicts, and motivate your team.
If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills further, check out PowerToFly’s leadership events where you can engage with thought leaders and gain insights into becoming an effective leader. And if you’re looking for your next leadership gig, look no further than our job boards!
