Would you rather work with people you are smarter than or work with people smarter than you?

How to Answer
Answer Example

The interviewer wants to know if you are confident enough to work well alongside a person you perceive as smarter than you. This question has many layers, however. First, the term 'smarter' is relative. An individual may possess stronger knowledge of a particular topic or task than you, but they may not be more knowledgeable in another area. Give a thoughtful answer that shows you are happy to work with other people without allowing your ego or feelings of insecurity to get in the way.

Amazon's 6th Leadership Principle is 'Hire and Develop the Best.' This principle states, 'Leaders raise the performance bar with every hire and promotion. They recognize exceptional talent and willingly move them throughout the organization. Leaders develop leaders and take their role in coaching others seriously. We work on behalf of our people to invent mechanisms for development like Career Choice.'

Talk to the interviewer about your preference, and be sure to make a connection between your reasoning and Amazon's Leadership Principles.

"Smart people surround themselves with smarter people. One of my favorite adages is never to be the smartest person in the room. If someone is smarter than me in a particular area, I will happily work with them and take the opportunity to learn from them. Ego is not an obstacle for me, and I am happy to recognize and praise exceptional talent. Ewing Marion Kauffman said, 'Hire people who are smarter than you. In doing so, you prevent limiting the organization to the level of your own ability, and you grow the capabilities of your company.' That piece of advice has stuck with me, and I believe this mindset fits Amazon's Leadership Principles very well, particularly when it comes to hiring and developing the best."

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How to Answer: Would you rather work with people you are smarter than or work with people smarter than you?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Amazon job interview.

30. Would you rather work with people you are smarter than or work with people smarter than you?

How to Answer

The interviewer wants to know if you are confident enough to work well alongside a person you perceive as smarter than you. This question has many layers, however. First, the term 'smarter' is relative. An individual may possess stronger knowledge of a particular topic or task than you, but they may not be more knowledgeable in another area. Give a thoughtful answer that shows you are happy to work with other people without allowing your ego or feelings of insecurity to get in the way.

Amazon's 6th Leadership Principle is 'Hire and Develop the Best.' This principle states, 'Leaders raise the performance bar with every hire and promotion. They recognize exceptional talent and willingly move them throughout the organization. Leaders develop leaders and take their role in coaching others seriously. We work on behalf of our people to invent mechanisms for development like Career Choice.'

Talk to the interviewer about your preference, and be sure to make a connection between your reasoning and Amazon's Leadership Principles.

Answer Example

"Smart people surround themselves with smarter people. One of my favorite adages is never to be the smartest person in the room. If someone is smarter than me in a particular area, I will happily work with them and take the opportunity to learn from them. Ego is not an obstacle for me, and I am happy to recognize and praise exceptional talent. Ewing Marion Kauffman said, 'Hire people who are smarter than you. In doing so, you prevent limiting the organization to the level of your own ability, and you grow the capabilities of your company.' That piece of advice has stuck with me, and I believe this mindset fits Amazon's Leadership Principles very well, particularly when it comes to hiring and developing the best."

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