As a manager, who has been your greatest influence? Who has defined what type of leader you wish to be.

"The greatest influence in my career has been one of my professors from university. Mr. Smith was my professor in business ethics and I connected well with his teaching style. Even after graduating from university, we kept in touch and he has influenced my coaching, teaching, and leadership style."

"The first CEO I reported to has been a tremendous influence on my career. That person helped shape my work ethic and passion for business early on, which has helped me become a better business partner along the way in my career. I wish to be someone who is fair, demanding, and supportive. Someone who cares about the customers and cares about our people."

Provide relatable examples of leaders who influenced your character. Whether you had a strong mentor in your management career or a professor in college who inspired you, describe the qualities you admired and embrace within yourself. Your life's inspiration can come from a character in a book, a mentor, a family member, or a celebrity. It likewise doesn't need to comprise of only one person. Explain why these individuals impacted the shaping of your character, and how they shaped your management style.

The interviewer wants to get to know you, and how well your personality will complement their culture. The more friendly and forthright you are, and the more you open up and let them know you, the more successful you'll be in your answer.

Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.