When have you had to lead by example?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Pro Tip
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

This question is designed to assess your leadership style. The interviewer wants to know that you are aware of the need to lead by example. How you answer will help them determine whether you lead by delegating or work side by side with your team when you can afford to. Those who lead by 'Do as I say, not as I do' can contribute to a toxic work environment. This can lead to extra work for HR and decreased productivity.

If you hold a supervisory role, there are many occasions in which you must delegate and oversee operations. Other times, you can work side by side with your team. It is important to acknowledge the greater needs of situational management.

If you are not in a supervisory role, mention an example of a time you took on a leadership role.

There will always be leaders who abuse their position of authority. They may push their crew and then hang back with another supervisor having a laugh with their hands in their pockets. It's one thing if you can talk the talk. But the interviewer wants to know if you walk the walk.

"I lead by example whenever I can afford to. However, when we're short-staffed, I have to give my crew grueling tasks while I focus on more nuanced and detailed work. Whenever this is the case, I communicate this to the crew so they know I'm working hard, just not side by side with them. I find value in this kind of transparency, peppered with frequent check-ins and encouragement. Whether I am working side by side with them or not, I'm putting my all in, and everyone knows it."

"I almost always lead by example. You'll never see me slacking off. I work hard and fast. I'm happy-go-lucky, and the people working with me keep up with the pace I set. I also lead by example when it comes to mandatory overtime. I work in an order-driven environment, and sometimes we have to work late to get the job done. I don't let my peers see me get upset at last-minute announcements."