How have you demonstrated leadership ability when you were not in a leadership role?
Lockheed Martin has a long-standing record of hiring strong leaders. As such, they have woven leadership characteristics and behaviors into their values and general approach to developing aerospace and defense solutions. As a result, Lockheed Martin seeks candidates with leadership skills regardless of their formal leadership designation within the organization. Your interviewer wants to know if you are able to demonstrate leadership qualities when you are not ultimately in charge of a team or project.
"I demonstrate leadership qualities every chance that I get! I believe that everyone can be a great leader if given the right environment and opportunity. For example, I formally mentor two members of my department. We work together to grow their professionalism, technical skills, and leadership skills. I genuinely enjoy assisting in the development of others and would love the opportunity to demonstrate my leadership skills here at Lockheed Martin."
"I naturally take on a leader and mentor-ship type of role with my co-workers. In one instance, I had a new coworker who was having some trouble fitting in. I took her out for lunch and talked to her a bit about the workplace culture and semantics surrounding the various departments. I wanted her to stay and enjoy her employment with us, so I took the responsibility of ensuring she was settling in well. I believe there are always opportunities for leadership - you have to keep your eyes open."
Share how you have positively influenced others through actions you've taken to support and motivate others at work. You can give an example of how you coached a coworker who was having difficulty preparing for a big presentation. Maybe you gave them confidence in their strengths by encouraging them, or perhaps you offered some helpful hints. You can be a motivator and a confident communicator in any situation at work!
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
I believe that to be a good leader, you must be able to be a good follower. It's important that a leader has the trust and respect of the team and that's what I try to exude as a team member.
Marcie's Feedback
Can you think of a time when you acted like a leader even though you weren't in a leadership role? Even if it was in your personal life, this is the type of answer that will be memorable to the interviewer. Show that you can be decisive, empathetic, innovative, and inspiring.
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