What type of manager brings out the best in you?
This interview Question aims to determine how well you would work with their managers and whether you identify with and embrace their leadership model. Talk to the interviewer about positive relationships you've had with previous managers. Describe what made these relationships unique and how they align with what you are looking for in a relationship with your leadership. This will further affirm that you have carefully considered why you are pursuing this opportunity and feel it is the right fit for you.
"I'm grateful to have had great managers throughout my career, but my most recent manager stands out as the best. She knew exactly what each of her employees was working on, but she was never guilty of micro-managing. I always felt empowered to do my work but free to ask for help or feedback if I felt stuck. Her enthusiasm for the work was contagious; if a coworker was having a bad day, she always had a kind word or a positive spin on the situation that turned the energy around. She's the exact kind of person I love working for."
"In the past, I have worked best with managers who are strong mentors but also offer autonomy when it comes to the tasks they know I am well versed in. I also appreciate strong communicators. I feel the strongest communicators are the most confident in their abilities and the most trusting."
IKEA advertises that their managers act according to their values, creating an atmosphere of well-being and expecting the same of their coworkers. "All managers must ensure that the coworkers they lead understand their responsibilities. All coworkers have an active duty to ensure their behavior supports compliance with, and the spirit of, IKEA. We must always use our sound judgment and our common sense. In the course of your daily work, you may face difficult situations. If you are in doubt about any of your actions, simply ask yourself, will it reflect well on the IKEA Brand? If the answer is "no", do not do it. Whenever you are uncertain, always be transparent and ask your manager for guidance. In order to sustain an open culture of inclusiveness and honesty, our way is to be transparent and discuss or report to one of our nearest managers, or, if needed, any higher level manager, so that any matter can be dealt with in a straightforward way."
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.
Anonymous Answer
A manager who is a good communicator. One who is encouraging and always eager to help and recognizes a job well done. I had a great manager once, who turned out to be more a mentor than a boss. He constantly pushed me to try harder, took the time to teach me new things, congratulated me on a job well done, and helped me improve all the time.
Rachelle's Feedback
Very good response. You are drawing in a specific experience from a past mentor and boss which shows great insight.
Anonymous Answer
A leader that walks the talk and supports you. A leader that gives you tough feedback and showed you the ropes to succeed.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! There are many different types of management styles including autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire (and additional subtypes within these broad categories). Talk about which one you prefer the most and why. If possible, give examples to support your assertions. You might also say that you are flexible and willing to adapt to any type of management style if needed.
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