How to Answer: What qualities do you feel make a leader successful?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Amazon job interview.
50. What qualities do you feel make a leader successful?
What You Need to Know
Familiarize yourself with the different leadership styles and determine which style best describes you. Also, spend time researching the types of leaders Amazon aims to recruit. It has been said that Jeff Bezos has an autocratic leadership style, but he has been quoted as saying he identifies with being a transformational leader. He fosters an environment of pragmatist leaders whose standards are high and expectations even higher. However, when closely examining its leadership principles, Amazon seems to expect its leadership to motivate its teams through inspiration.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
If you are applying for a management position, draw some management qualities from the company's job description that you most identify with and feel you hold. Most inspirational leaders have exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills. What great leaders do you emulate? Share some of the qualities you admire and embrace that seem to complement the culture of Amazon and its leadership principles.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I listen and learn. I learn what makes my team tick and listen to their needs. Sometimes, they have to figure it out on their own, and you coach and guide them and have to be willing to let them make their own mistakes before you can show them the right way of doing things. So you have to guide, advise, and give them the freedom to fail. But you should do this while simultaneously setting them up for success."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I believe the best type of person to work for leads by example at all times. They are approachable, hardworking, and fair. Also, they don't just talk the talk without walking the walk. It is irksome when a leader says that we need to put in the long hours but leaves earlier than everyone else, for instance."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"In my experience, a leader is only as successful as their investment in their people is strong. A good leader must care for their employees and make sure they are growing to meet expectations. A successful leader will communicate expectations, hold people accountable for achievable goals, and be the shining light that gets everyone fired up to do their best at all times. That means not taking favorites and leading by example at all times."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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1) They earn trust. Without trust, you cannot lead or influence others. That is why it is important to me that I keep promises to others and I'm always honest with them.
2) They think big and set high standards. I set stretch goals for my team and then do my utmost to help them achieve those goals.
3) They develop others. I do a lot of mentoring and ad-hoc support for colleagues. This is a win for everyone, and as a side effect it builds loyalty - I had team members ask to follow me to a new employer because they learned so much."
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