Being a good leader is super important, especially if you want to be a manager one day. When you’re interviewing for higher-level jobs, you’ll probably get asked questions about how you lead others. One common question is, “What is your leadership style?”
In this guide, we’ll explain what interviewers are looking for when they ask this question. We’ll also show you how to answer it—even if you’re not going for a managerial job right now.
Why interviewers ask about your leadership style
When interviewers ask about your leadership style, they really want to know how you work with other people. They’re checking out your soft skills—like how you talk to others, motivate them, hand out tasks, and solve problems.
They also want to see how comfortable you are being a leader. Do you answer with confidence, or do you seem unsure? Giving a clear answer in a strong voice shows them you have what it takes to lead. This question helps them see if you’d fit in their company, as different places have different ways of leading. If a company likes to shake things up and push hard, someone who leads in a relaxed way might not be the best match.
Don’t think you won’t get this question just because you’re not trying to be a manager. It can come up in all kinds of jobs. Even if you don’t have people reporting to you, being able to lead is still important. They want to know if you can think for yourself and step up when needed.
What you choose to talk about also matters. Do you focus on good communication? Helping others learn? Being honest? Being creative? Pick the things that are most important to you as a leader.
How to answer “What is your leadership style?”
Learn about the different leadership styles
Every leader guides their team in their own way, but there are some common styles many use. Here are a few:
- Democratic leadership: This style involves listening to everyone’s ideas before making a decision. The leader values team input and encourages open discussions.
- Transactional leadership: Leaders using this style set clear goals and use rewards or rules to motivate their team. They focus on tasks and performance.
- Transformational leadership: These leaders inspire and motivate their team to achieve big goals. They encourage creativity and new ideas.
- Servant leadership: A servant leader puts the team’s needs first, helping them grow and succeed. They lead by example and focus on supporting others.
Take some time to read about these and other leadership styles. Think about how you like to lead. Do you enjoy working closely with your team and hearing their thoughts? Or do you prefer setting clear goals and expecting everyone to follow them? Knowing your own style will help you explain it better in the interview.
Match your leadership style with the company’s values
Different companies value different ways of leading. Some might like leaders who are innovative and shake things up. Others might prefer leaders who keep things steady and follow the rules. Before your interview, learn as much as you can about the company. Look at their website to understand what they care about most, find articles or reviews that talk about what it’s like to work there, and see if they are trying to grow fast, focus on customer service, or lead in new ideas.
When you know what the company values, you can explain your leadership style in a way that fits. For example:
- If the company values teamwork, you might talk about how you include your team in decisions.
- If they value innovation, you could share how you encourage new ideas and creative thinking.
- If they focus on customer service, explain how you lead your team to provide the best experience for customers.
Provide specific examples to demonstrate how you lead
Telling real stories about your leadership helps the interviewer see how you work in action. Think about times when you:
- Solved a problem: Explain how you helped your team overcome a challenge. What steps did you take? How did you involve others?
- Motivated your team: Share how you encouraged your team to reach a tough goal. What did you say or do that made a difference?
- Managed a conflict: Describe how you handled a disagreement between team members. How did you help them find a solution?
- Implemented a new idea: Talk about a time when you brought in a new process or idea. How did you lead your team through the change?
Make sure your examples are clear and show the positive results of your leadership. This helps the interviewer understand exactly how your leadership style works in real-life situations.
How not to answer
Avoid giving generic answers
When an interviewer asks about your leadership style, it’s important not to respond with something vague like, “I feel that I’m a strong leader.” Generic answers like this don’t tell them much about how you actually lead or what makes you effective. They are looking for specific insights into your approach and examples that demonstrate your skills.
Even if you haven’t held a formal leadership position before, you likely have experiences where you’ve used leadership skills. Think about times when you:
- Guided a team project in school
- Organized a community event
- Took the lead on a group assignment at work
Avoiding a generic answer also demonstrates self-awareness. It tells the interviewer that you recognize the importance of effective leadership and have considered how you can contribute in that role. This makes a stronger impression than a broad statement that doesn’t offer any real information.
Sample answers to “What is your leadership style?”
Example #1
“I believe in a leadership style where I help each team member grow their own strengths. I know that everyone is different, so I try not to use the same approach with all. By getting to know what works best for each person, I can help them do their best work and develop their skills.”
Why this works:
This answer shows that you understand the importance of personalizing your leadership. It tells the interviewer that you pay attention to individual needs and are committed to helping others succeed. This approach is thoughtful and shows strong people skills.
Example #2
“I like to lead by example and show my team how it’s done. I think actions speak louder than words. If I ask my team to work hard, I make sure I’m working hard too. When we have a tight deadline, I’m right there with them, putting in the extra effort. This way, my team knows I’m dedicated, and it motivates them to do their best.”
Why this works:
This response highlights that you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and work alongside your team. It demonstrates that you’re committed and willing to put in the effort, which can inspire others to follow your lead. It shows humility and a strong work ethic.
Example #3
“As someone new to the workforce, I focus on collaborative leadership. I believe in working together with my team and valuing everyone’s ideas. In school projects, I always made sure everyone got a chance to share their thoughts. By making sure everyone feels heard, we can come up with the best solutions together.”
Why this works:
This example is great for young professionals. It shows that you value teamwork and inclusivity. Even if you don’t have much work experience, relating it to school projects demonstrates your leadership potential. It tells the interviewer that you’re open-minded and good at bringing people together.
It’s a good idea to have a few different answers to this question in your head so you can select the one that seems to be the best fit based on any information the interviewer shares. Talking about your chosen leadership style with poise and confidence will assure your interviewer you’ll be comfortable and effective in the job.