Tell me about your leadership qualities.
The interviewer would like to know what you consider to be your best leadership qualities and how these qualities apply to them and their needs as a company. When describing your leadership qualities, avoid general terms or cliche statements, and give a unique answer.
A great leader is someone who people naturally want to follow. They have exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with nearly any personality type. A respected leader will take ownership of their mistakes and will always lead their team by example. True leaders see the importance of motivating others and recognizing even the smallest achievements.
To get you started, with which of these qualities do you most identify?
- Confident
- Optimistic
- Encouraging
- Accountable
- Engaged
- Passionate
- Integrous
- Loyal
- Charismatic
When describing your leadership qualities, be sure to tie your response to the characteristics and approach the company is seeking. You can uncover this information by carefully reading the company's job posting, website careers page, or social media posts related to its teamwork approach.
Answer Example
"My leadership qualities have grown over the years, and continue to shift as I find new resources. Lately, I have been learning a lot from Robin Sharma, the author of 'The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari' book series. Robin takes an approach that balances mindfulness with stress management, which then equates to a balanced leadership approach. I know your organization is seeking mindful leaders who encourage, teach, and lead from a place of understanding, which was why I chose to apply for this leadership opportunity."
Admin
"I possess leadership qualities such as diligence, tenacity, and two-way communication. I am diligent in the sense that I follow company policy and lead by example. When it comes to tenacity in leadership, I am a consistent source of help and information to my other team members. I communicate like a leader because I make myself available to teach and also to learn. From my research, I understand that these are core characteristics of your existing leadership team, which makes me believe that my leadership qualities will be a natural fit."
Manager
"I have taken many workshops and courses to improve my leadership skills over the years. My leadership qualities are best summed as dedicated, attentive, and motivating. I like to recognize my employees' small wins because that motivates them to continue achieving."
Marketing
"I believe I lead effectively by showing others respect regardless of their position or title, creating an open environment in which everyone knows that ideas are welcome, and setting achievable but high expectations for myself and the teams that I work on."
Retail
"My strongest leadership qualities are empathy, drive, and a passion for mentorship. Before approaching any personnel situation, I put myself in their shoes and figure out how I should approach the person to create the most constructive conversation. My drive and enthusiasm in the workplace are contagious. This drive ensures that, whether I am in a formal leadership role or not, I am still a positive influence on my coworkers. As a mentorship-minded leader, I naturally seek out the best in people, then help them to increase their performance based on their strengths."
Sales
"AI am enthusiastic, adaptable, and thirsty for knowledge. As an enthusiastic leader, I want to nurture others to their fullest potential. I display adaptability by taking a positive approach in the face of change, even if my team doesn't always embrace that change at first. I love to be an example to follow and to guide others to boost their careers, which is why I spend a lot of time listening to leadership-focused podcasts and reading books on leadership. I like to take this knowledge and pass it along to my team and peers. Do you feel that my leadership qualities would be a good match for your organizations' culture?"
Teacher
"I lead my students by being passionate and charismatic towards new learning concepts. I encourage exploration and let them know that it's okay to make a mistake while learning new concepts."
Dental Assistant
"I haven't had the opportunity to be in a leadership position in a clinic yet, but I have been a volunteer supervisor for an organization I volunteer with every weekend. I would describe myself as a motivating, and organized leader."
Anesthesiologist
"I have taken many workshops and courses to improve my leadership skills over the years. My leadership qualities are best summed as dedicated, attentive, and motivating. I like to recognize my support staff's small wins because that motivates them to continue achieving."
High School Teacher
"I have taken many workshops and courses to improve my leadership skills over the years. My leadership qualities are best summed as dedicated, attentive, and motivating. I like to recognize my students' small wins because that motivates them to continue achieving."
Animal Control Workers
"I have taken many workshops and courses to improve my leadership skills over the years. My leadership qualities are best summed as dedicated, attentive, and motivating. I like to recognize my employees' small wins because that motivates them to continue achieving."
Court Clerk
"At my current position I serve as a mentor to a junior court clerk. I'm able to help him along in his career, provide advice, give on-the-job training and allow him to assist me in cases to gain more experience."
FBI
"As a leader, I am knowledgeable, adaptable, and open. My desire to nurture others to their fullest potential is strong. I strive to be an example to follow and enjoy helping guide others to bettering themselves and their careers."
Marketing Communications Manager
"I believe I lead effectively by showing others respect regardless of their position or title, creating an open environment in which everyone knows that ideas are welcome, and setting achievable but high expectations for myself and the teams that I work on."
Bacteriology Technician
"I'd like to think of my leadership style as innovative. I believe that failures don't impede progress, the team gains job satisfaction and enjoyment and it creates an atmosphere of respect for others' ideas."
Internal Audit Manager
"I very naturally take on a leadership role in my work, and day-to-day life. I am able to lead by taking on the role of a caring coach and mentor."
Assistant Principal
"My leadership style is to be present and approachable. I want to know if my students are struggling in the classroom or at home. If my teachers need additional training, I like to be a part of their career development."
Account Manager
"Within my current position I have hired and trained several people. When someone new joins the team, I am friendly and approachable so they know they can come to me with any questions that arise. I also take the time to explain procedures and processes to them so they understand what is expected of them. I try to set a good example in the way I handle myself and complete my work, and I never talk down to or demean anyone. I look forward to leading others on your account management team if you hire me."
Newspaper Editor
"I'm a very positive and energetic leader. I'm very hands-on and approachable: I make sure that my team knows that no question is a stupid one and that I'm always there for them. I make sure that my team has the energy they need to do their work efficiently and on time."
Food Service Manager
"I have worked in licensed establishments for the past five years and am very familiar with liquor regulations in our region. I also have experience tracking liquor-related KPIs such as average profit percentage, gross profit on sales for wine, and liquor sales per head."
Anesthesiologist Assistant
"In addition to assisting with surgical patients in the operating room, I have over ten years of experience working with chronic pain patients in a pain clinic. My current position requires me to work in both the OR and in the pain clinic, so I am well-experienced in both environments. In the pain management clinic, I work with patients to get them on a pain management plan, which can include interventions such as epidurals, nerve stimulation, and medication therapies."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"The ability to persuade and influence people are my key leadership qualities."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
This is a fantastic response! I provided possible follow-up questions you may be asked.
"“How do you persuade and influence others?” “How does your technique vary between employees?”"
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I have always been told I am a great leader. I always stand by my team! I am very confident, and I always offer my help. I love to compliment others when I see they are improving, and let them know I appreciate their efforts. I am very encouraging and try to explain tasks in a way they understand and the necessity of each."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
You seem very attentive to the work, needs, and accomplishments of others, which is fantastic! These are solid leadership qualities.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I like to lead by example, setting up an example for others. I take action, demonstrate what needs to be done and keep my team organized. I take ownership of my mistakes and hold others accountable as well. I also make sure each team member is contributing to the best of his or her abilities because we all have something unique to bring to the table."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
This is a clear and robust overview of your leadership qualities. Excellent work - you sound like a capable and effective leader.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I am confident, compassionate and lead by example. These qualities have served me well when working vertically and horizontally across our organization."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Fantastic start! You sound confident in your leadership capabilities. I recommend that you give more specifics related to how these qualities have served you well. I have provided a starter, below.
"As a leader, I am confident, compassionate, and I lead by example. These qualities have served me well when working vertically and horizontally across our organization. For instance, as a confident leader, I have...(give a tangible example). I show compassion in my leadership style by...(give a tangible example). One specific example of a time when I led by example was...(give a story-based example)."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"A key leadership quality is my empathy for others and an ability to connect with people. Other leadership qualities I possess are confidence and optimism. I am also encouraging, and I am transparent in my interactions with others."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
These are fabulous leadership qualities to have! Next, be sure to mention how these qualities will be a fit with the hiring company. You'll want to tie this into a neat bow in a way that the interviewer will picture you fitting in perfectly with their needs.