How to Answer: How do you define success?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Southwest Airlines job interview.
3. How do you define success?
How to Answer
Your interviewer is curious about what your philosophical outlook for success looks like. It is as much about your attitude as your experience and work ethic. So share your broader view of what success means to you. For example, Southwest defines their model of success by these three keywords: efficiency, discipline, and excellence.
Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023
What You Need to Know
Herb Kelleher, the founder of Southwest Airlines, once said, "Leading an organization is as much about soul as it is about systems. Effective leadership finds its source in understanding." Success doesn't always equate to accomplishing something, but to how you accomplish it and your formula to repeating that success.
Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023
1st Experienced Example
"Getting things done is just doing your job. So I wouldn't ever call doing my job a success. I'd call that the bare minimum. However, making going above and beyond the standard of my work a success. I define success as going the extra mile and feeling good about it."
Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023
2nd Experienced Example
"I define success not only by what I accomplish but how those accomplishments were reached. The means have to justify the ends. If, after facing any challenge, the team is stronger, tighter, and in better shape than before, I consider that a success."
Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023
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