Are you comfortable taking on a leadership role as a member of the Procter and Gamble team? Can you provide an example of a time when you led a team directly?
No matter if the position you are interviewing for at Procter and Gamble is a designated leadership position with direct reports, it is important to know that one of the organization's core values is leadership. Going beyond directly leading a team of individuals, Procter and Gamble define leadership as leading in responsibility, having a clear vision of where they are going, and eliminating organizational barriers. In asking this question, your interviewer will be looking for you to talk about any leadership type of responsibilities you have had in your career up to this point and what leadership skills you will bring to their team.
"In my current position, I am the president of the social committee. I love that I have the opportunity to encourage employee engagement while being a positive influence on the workplace culture. I am a natural leader because I start by leading by example. As a leader, I make myself available to others who need mentorship, a bit of assistance in adjusting to their role, or just a listening ear when they've had a tough day. I am confident in my leadership abilities and look forward to bringing these skills to the Procter and Gamble team."
"I definitely see myself as a leader. Not only have I managed a team in two prior roles, but also I believe that leadership does not always equate to management. Leadership is more of a mindset than a title or specific position. I am sure to lead at all times by providing the best model, enthusiasm, and work ethic of the organization. I am open to new ideas and love to tackle a new project which, to me, embodies leadership."
Perhaps you have led a club at work, been a coach for a youth sports team, or were on the advisory board for a non-profit organization. You should always be prepared to show the interviewer that you have a natural ability to lead others, through leadership skills, beliefs, and action. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must display to the interviewer that you are capable of handling the responsibility that comes with being a leader and mentor. As you answer, don't hesitate to talk about your desire to be a leader at Procter and Gamble. Share with the interviewer that you strive to be a role model for others. Explain that you jump at the opportunity to lead groups, encourage your counterparts, and be a face of the organization when challenges arise.
"I'm junior in my career at this point, so I don't feel that I would be ready for a leadership role anytime soon. In college, I often naturally fell into leadership roles on projects in the classroom and when volunteering for campus events. For example, I led the sorority 5K one year and managed a team of 10 volunteers as we prepped and carried out the events. I enjoyed those roles and learned a lot of leadership skills during that time, and I think that coupled with the experience I will gain on the job in the next year or two, will help prepare me for a leadership role down the road."
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
Not only do I see myself as a leader, but I also love to take the lead. In general, I lead all the teams that I could (unless another person wanted to lead). I managed teams of 10 for 3 years at work and managed all of my team's projects at school.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! This is a strong answer, but don't forget to include details about what kind of teams you led and what these teams accomplished under your leadership. The more details, the better!
Anonymous Answer
I certainly do, often I would myself in situations where when it's up to the team to choose a leader among us, that the team would agree to choose me. Simply because they have trust in me and know me as a person that holds to great standards and can always count on me to step up in different situations and guide them step by step if they get stuck. I inspire to lead by example, so that's what I do.
Cindy's Feedback
Good start. Can you discuss a time when you led a team? How did you win the confidence and accomplish the group task?
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