How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you showed initiative by taking the lead on a team project.
17. Tell me about a time when you showed initiative by taking the lead on a team project.
The Goal
The interviewer wants to see that you are confident enough to take the initiative when the opportunity arises. Provide the interviewer with evidence that you are a motivated and passionate person who is ready to be an active leader in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Describe any project or learning experience where you saw a chance to lead and took advantage of it. Talk about the success of the project and your biggest takeaway from experience.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a general answer regarding your willingness to take the lead at work, in school, while volunteering, or during extra-curricular activities. Stay away from vague statements like, 'I am very comfortable taking the initiative and acting like a leader. I did this while in school and even during my latest internship.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) In my previous role, I recognized that we needed a better training program to onboard new hires at a quicker rate. (Task) As the leader for onboarding and training, it was up to me to create such a program. (Action) I took the initiative to create this training program, incorporating all the work we did in a way that new hires could easily learn and replicate. (Result) The team loved having this guide and enjoyed feeling empowered when it came to training new hires the right way."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) When I first started my current admin role, I took it upon myself to organize the digital files for the company. (Task) The files were a mess, and I was the person who had the time to take care of it. (Action) Organizing these files was a huge challenge, but I tackled 100 documents per day on a schedule that I had created for myself. In 20 days, I finished. (Result) I was pleased with my ability to take on a project that nobody else wanted to do, and my boss was thrilled with the initiative that I showed."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Last year, our company was discussing a potential product launch in the European market. (Task) As an intermediate project researcher, I knew this was my chance to be noticed. (Action) I reached out to the head of the marketing department and asked if I could be the lead product researcher. I stated my case by discussing why I would be the best fit for that opportunity. She agreed and allowed me to take the lead. (Result) The project was a great success, which gave me the confidence to speak up again. Next week I will be starting another project where I'll be the lead product researcher."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) Last year, I identified the need for ongoing learning and sales training for my company's junior sales reps. (Task) As the Sales Manager, I knew I had a lot of ideas to offer for mentoring and growing these reps. (Action) I founded Friday lunch-and-learns with a different topic presented every week. I worked across departments to feature guest lecturers and industry experts via Skype. (Result) As a result, I was able to educate the sales team further, improving retention. Today, we are all more effective in our sales pitches, and our numbers have increased by 15% overall."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) This year, I took the lead by testing a new tech platform for our online learning students. (Task) I am quite a tech-savvy individual and had already been researching the topic of online learning for quite some time. (Action) I performed more specific research, spoke with many tech gurus, and created a presentation for our Board of Directors that included three viable options. I presented the data in a way that was easy to absorb and considered multiple critical factors to student learning. (Result) The board decided on my top recommendation, and now, four months into the launch, the revised online learning platform has proven very effective."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) In my previous role, I took the lead on a critical communication project. (Task) As the morning Shift Manager, I needed help passing along pertinent information to our 2nd and 3rd production shifts in a more effective way. (Action) I recommended hanging announcement screens throughout the building, ensuring that everyone had the same information at all times. (Result) We installed these announcement screens, and we encountered much less stress and confusion during shift changes."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) In my current store, when the merchandise for the next season arrives, our team needs to put in a lot of extra hours to get everything out onto the floor. (Task) Although I am not a manager, I see the importance of jumping in to help. (Action) During our last season change, I helped to organize the team while ensuring that the sales floor remained attended. I showed a positive mindset and enthusiasm. (Result) Because of the energy I exuded, others naturally wanted to follow me. The change-over was a success, and our team had more fun than usual."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Tight project schedule
Worked very hard
Was able to split the tasks and do good teamwork with the US team, that was at home
Got a bonus for finishing the project"
Stephanie's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I called the makers of the inventory system and spoke to the technician; also I e-mailed corporate office, set up passwords for the new system, and I learned the system. This way I was able to pull drug transfer requests and print out transfer invoices and help pull the drugs to be sent to other stores as well as cycle fill inventory sheets. The full-time technician was able to concentrate on the packaging and mailing of the drugs to other stores.
In less than a week after I learned the system we were totally caught up on our Orderinsite tasks and projects. I also was able to help to keep our inventory up to date and generate cycle fill count sheets which my technicians and I counted. I utilized the system even when I was transfered to Shopko West and assisted with inventory control."
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I created a tracker where I could manage the status of all our breakout rooms, what my team could take, what we need to assign to IT Conferencing support, and gaps we would need to fill with a vendor. In addition to this, I arranged training for my team to attend that would enable them on webinar tools we were not familiar with for the success of the event. It was a heavy lift, but in the end, we were able to pull it off, even when the sessions were changing platforms and times, and as a result, I was recognized by my manager, Director, and LEader of my organization for my success."
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Marcie's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Stephanie's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback
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Cindy's Feedback