Give me an example of a time when your communication style helped you to be a more effective leader.
"(Situation) My current team of retail sales associates often default to chatting amongst themselves rather than be entirely engaged with our customers. (Task) As the Assistant Manager, I feel a responsibility to encourage these associates to be present when they are on the floor. (Action) Recently, I launched a sales contest to motivate the team. The contest ran over an entire weekend, and the sales associate with the most sales dollars was awarded a Starbucks gift card. (Result) The incentive worked so well that the Store Manager has approved that I run this contest every week! I love to motivate my team through incentives and a high-energy approach. By communicating in an engaging and motivating way, their sales performance is better than ever before."
"(Situation) When I worked with Company ABC, we had a significant struggle with staff turnover. (Task) I had taken over as General Manager from a previous individual who was not very engaged with the team. (Action) Immediately after being promoted to GM, I decided to take an active listening approach since I could sense that the team did not feel they were 'heard' on the job. I held one-on-one and group meetings, giving the team the floor, and simply listening. After hearing their grievances, I created an action plan for change. (Result) By deploying a communication approach built on listening, I was able to help boost team morale significantly."
"(Situation) My current sales team consists of highly competitive and independent individuals who are hard to reign in when it comes to group efforts. (Task) As the Sales Manager, it's my mandate to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common corporate goal. (Action) With my team, to speak to their strong personalities, I aim to delegate and encourage according to strengths. Everyone on the team communicates differently, so I tailor my communication to each person. Usually, that looks like a small, informal one-on-one huddle throughout the day. (Result) This quick but personalized touch-point helps to keep each sales rep grounded in their goals and feeling encouraged throughout the day."
"(Situation) My current company places a lot of value in conversation and feedback. (Task) Since joining as the Marketing Manager, I have learned more about communicating expressively and constructively. I am now more direct and specific in my feedback. (Action) Just last week, my team was running behind on a client project. Overall, I was dissatisfied with their performance and also the creative outcome. I held a meeting where I was direct but kind. I spoke to the team respectfully and approached the meeting as a coaching session. Once I relayed the areas of disappointment, we worked together toward a solution. (Result) My communication approach proved to be effective, and we turned the project around completely."
"(Situation) Last month I gave my student feedback because he appeared to be slacking off on a project. (Task) I care for my students and believe that, as their teacher, I am there to lead them onto the right path. (Action) Rather than telling him, I thought he was slacking off; I said, 'I've noticed that it's been taking longer for you to turn in those reports. What's going on? Is there anything I can do?' When communicating, I always start by asking questions instead of making accusations. (Result) My student was very appreciative and told me how he was struggling with motivation. I asked him what would motivate him, and we were able to find a solution that worked."
"(Situation) In our office, there have been past instances where team members feel upset after receiving an email and misinterpreting the tone. (Task) As an Administrative Assistant, so much of my communication is by email, so I am highly aware of my tone, or perceived tone, before sending an email. (Action) I will re-read my messages before I send them, looking for areas of potential misinterpretation. If the email is too complicated, I choose to pick up the phone and have a verbal conversation instead. (Result) By using this approach, our team morale has improved, and communication hiccups have reduced significantly."
Everyone leader a unique style of communication, and most people in a leadership role can clearly define that style. Whatever your approach to communication, take time to show the interviewer that it is well-received in the workplace. Some of the best leaders communicate through:
- Demonstration. This approach means understanding that your actions mean more than the words you say.
- Building meaningful connections. This approach means creating relationships that go beyond the surface; thus, building a strong foundation for leadership acceptance.
- Transparency. This approach means valuing vulnerability in the workplace and demonstrating vulnerability and openness first.
- Listening. This approach means that you spend time actively listening to your team. Sometimes 'communicating' means not talking! Exercising strong listening skills is an incredibly effective way to show you are a competent leader and a discerning communicator.
Situational-based interview questions that begin with 'Give me an example of 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.
Your response should demonstrate your ability to articulate constructive criticism, encourage your team, or relay policy changes in a way that makes fosters a culture of acceptance from your team.
"(Situation) In my current role, we have undergone many policy changes over the past eight months due to a company merger. (Task) As the HR Partner, it is up to me to communicate all personnel-related changes to the entire employee roster. (Action) While communicating these changes, I have deployed a transparent communication approach. I describe my communication style as honest and often vulnerable. I show the employees that I do not have a private agenda; thus, building their trust. I communicate my intentions, the intentions of the company's leadership team, and the end goal. (Result) Typically, many people do not trust their HR department; however, I have been able to overcome that stigma by being consistently honest, open, and transparent about their employment and the direction our company is heading."
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 have been told by multiple employers that I am the best person to send to a "difficult" customer, as I am extremely patient, an active listener, direct but kind, and can read people well in order to see how to adapt my approach to their needs. This method has proven effective, and has allowed effective communication between myself and my teams.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your response is precisely what an interviewer would want to hear. Well done!
Anonymous Answer
Leading by example, making sure I'm always available to my staff, following the rules just as I want them to.
Rachelle's Feedback
This question is referring to your communication style. This could mean that you are articulate, laid-back, aggressive, or succinct; for instance.
"My style of communication has always been professional yet casual. I want my team to feel comfortable in approaching me, and I demonstrate that in my communication style."
Anonymous Answer
In my last role, I always ensured that my team was well informed about the needs of the business. I did this by having weekly meetings where I conveyed the various business needs, and my team was then able to ask questions and get immediate feedback. It kept me engaged with the business requirements.
Lauren's Feedback
This is a very strong, well-rounded response. You provided specific examples. I would conclude with noting a positive outcome of your efforts.
In my last role, I ensured my team was well-informed of goals, deadlines, and requirements. I did so by conducting weekly meetings and continuous communication and feedback loops. By doing so, my team was well-versed on my expectations and could better meet target goals.
Anonymous Answer
I usually define communication strategy at the planning phase of the project, and that helps to eliminate various communication-related issues for my team and me. My communication style is a mix of professional and casual, and I try to be extremely transparent with my team and release full information. That helps me to convey the message and at the same increasing morale and trust within the group.
Kevin's Feedback
Your communication style sounds thoughtful and systematic. Any interviewer should appreciate hearing that you begin with clear communication from the start, which helps to eliminate many problems as a project progresses.
I usually define communication strategy at the planning phase of the project, and that helps to eliminate various communication-related issues for my team and me. My communication style is a mix of professional and casual, and I try to be extremely transparent with my team and release full information. That helps me to convey the message and at the same increasing morale and trust within the group. But even though I develop a strong communication strategy at the forefront doesn’t mean that it stops there. Communication should be open, non-defensive, and transparent. Keep performing group and individual check-ins. Don’t micromanage, but show that you are their primary resources, and that you are approachable and you are there. Leading by example in this regard helps encourage and foster a more supportive and collaborative environment.
Anonymous Answer
I am empathetic when I communicate with students or team members. I ask questions instead of making accusations or assumptions. I like to take into consideration the other person's perspective. I do this on a daily basis with students.
Kevin's Feedback
These are all good applications of empathy and communication. Do you have a specific story example for this behavioral-style question? I;ve enhanced your answer. See below.
Whenever I communicate with my students or fellow team members, I’ll ask questions. It’s important for everyone to feel heard, understood, and empathized with. Too often, emotions, as they arise, can be confusing and difficult to process and effectively communicate. So, it can take a person a while to articulate their needs. By asking questions, I like to think I am helping them figure it out. They might not be effectively communicating their wants and needs, and if I am able to help them do so, it is incumbent on me to do just that. Communicating is about reaching a meeting of the minds. Only when you can assure you are all on the same page can you collaborate towards a solution.
One issue I run into frequently is when a person glances at the instructions for an assignment, and when they neglect to read them over thoroughly or repeatedly, many proceed on a loose interpretation relying on their memory of what they thought it said. This is why I always over-emphasize the instructions for an assignment. On occasion, I’ll have a student pull me aside after class, and they’ll debate the grade they received for an assignment. I’ll ask them their perspective, and as many other clarifying questions I can. I’ll then ask them how they interpreted the instructions for the assignment, asking them to review the instructions before answering. 10 times out of 10 I’ll watch their eyes widen, followed by embarrassment. I’ll then reiterate the lessons to be learned from such instances. If I notice a marked improvement, I’ll give them some extra credit points for learning from such mistakes, and take comfort that they’ll continue to apply that lesson moving forward. These are often life changing moments.
Anonymous Answer
My communication style is to build rapport and relationships with my co-workers. I think if I can understand them, then I know how they like to be communicated with. Each person is different and requires different approaches to events or changes.
Stephanie's Feedback
Building rapport and forming relationships with colleagues are key to being an effective leader. Since this question states "Give me an example of a time..." I would suggest that you provide a specific example of your communication style in action.
Anonymous Answer
Listening to others' ideas and listening to their challenges in doing their job. Like the time it takes to complete one of our tasks. Coming up with a way we can input the data in Excel and making that task a more automated process, improving the time it takes to accomplish that task.
Marcie's Feedback
You provide a good example here of a time when your ability to communicate helped you to lead. You might consider showing your knowledge about various communication styles by mentioning the types (passive, aggressive, submissive, manipulative, and assertive) and then indicating which style you most identify with. Since you mention listening in your answer, it sounds like you might be an assertive communicator who tends to respect the thoughts and ideas of others while still expressing your own opinions in a calm manner.
Anonymous Answer
"S: In my final year, I Co-led weekly mentoring sessions to fifteen first-year economic students were aimed at easing them into the various aspects of university life. Some students were more confident and louder than others in group discussions.
"T: I needed to connect with my team so that they could take lessons away from my experience.
"A: I reflected upon my journey at university so far, and told stories based on both, the high points and the low points.
"R: Making myself relatable to them, and showing vulnerability was a great way to connect. Their trust in me increased as a result and I was able to have a much greater impact on them.
Cindy's Feedback
Ok, an honest communication style using personal experience is a great way to lead them toward a result. What was that result? Did your method work?
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