When have you had to lead by example?

Question

Rachelle Enns · Accepted Answer

"(Situation) Last year our company merged with a competitor, and there was the talk of pending layoffs. (Task) As the Sales Leader, my team keeps a close eye on my actions. (Action) I know that I must lead by example every moment of every day! Rather than show my stress, I encouraged my team to try harder than ever. I suggested that we show our corporate office exactly what we can do! (Result) We ended up being the number one sales team in our region, which resulted in zero layoffs for our team."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

The interviewer wants to know that you place importance on leading by example. As a leader, your actions, decisions, and demeanor are always under some form of scrutiny.

Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'When have you...' 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.

Highlight that you have genuine care when it comes to setting a good example in the workplace.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"(Situation) In my current role, we have a great deal of foot traffic come through the office. (Task) I manage the front desk, which means that I am often the customers' first impression of the company. (Action) I always choose to have a smile on my face, make eye contact, and show my excitement for the company for which I work. There are constant eyes on me, and I need to lead with positivity. (Result) At least once per week, I receive comments regarding how impressed a customer was with my overall presence and attitude."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"(Situation) While working for Company ABC, they announced they were closing their doors. (Task) I was the Plant Manager at the time, and all eyes were on me. (Action) I chose never to display frustration, and I kept my poise. (Result) As a result, I was able to retain 89% of my staff during the transition. I feel that my positive attitude helped others to feel hopeful."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"(Situation) In my current job, we have a lot of junior marketers on staff. (Task) As a more seasoned professional, I know these junior team members are impressionable. (Action) I demonstrate leadership by always acting as though someone is watching. I behave how I want my team to behave, and I openly praise behavior that I want to see more of. In my current job, I do a lot of leading-in-the-moment by taking the opportunity to showcase the proper approach in real-time, rather than wait for a formal meeting or performance review. (Result) My philosophy has resulted in the rapid professional growth of these junior marketers."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"(Situation) I often lead by example, especially when it comes to mandatory overtime. (Task) I work in an order-driven environment, and sometimes we have to work late to get the job done. (Action) Just last week, we were asked to put in overtime with just 5 hours notice. I did not let my peers see me get upset at the last-minute announcement. (Result) As a result, we remained productive, and the mood remained quite positive."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"(Situation) My current company puts a lot of emphasis on accountability. (Task) For that reason, I purposefully lead by example, in everything that I do. (Action) For instance, I strive to be early, I arrive dressed for the part, and I prepare for the next day before I leave the office. In meetings, I am attentive and ready to participate. (Result) As a result of my dedication and knack for leadership, I have received a few raises and title promotions over the years."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"(Situation) My students often come to class with their cell phones. They are scrolling through social media, answering texts, or allowing their phones to be a distraction on their desk. (Task) As their teacher and consistent influence, I attempt to lead through my actions. (Action) I put my phone away and have a notebook and pen out instead. This way, it's clear that I'm on task. If I were on my phone, my students would not know if my actions were 100% work-related. (Result) I believe that this example teaches my students to remain engaged and respectful of those around them."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Most recently, we were asked to compile some information for one of our accounts. My colleagues grumbled and pushed back, feeling it was a 'make-work-project'. I understood the rationale behind the request so created the database, filled it out and asked my teammates to do the same. Within three days we had the document ready to submit."

Anonymous User · Answer

"In a previous role, there was a need to get managers to come in and help when overtime was being worked. I led the way by coming in on Saturdays when overtime being worked."

Anonymous User · Answer

"In my current position, as well as positions I've previously had, I lead by example every day. I demonstrate positivity, adaptability, and problem-solving."

Anonymous User · Answer

"(Situation) I joined a company which was way behind on the project for Transparency reporting, (Task) As the new compliance officer with two reports, I knew the team were assessing me and looking to me for guidance (Action) I know that I must lead by example every moment of every day! Rather than show my stress, I encouraged my team to develop a difficult but achievable plan, and we reviewed it regularly. (Result) We ended up reporting on time and making the Head of Legal and Compliance very happy."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I had to lead by example when I was my son's flag football coach. As the coach, I had to lead a group of young teenage boys while trying to get them to maintain focus. I was able to lead by keeping calm when they would get wild. As a result, they would also calm down, get focused and work hard for me. We ended up winning our division and were able to play at the Cardinal Stadium."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Every day I lead by example since I am the most experienced in the group. Daily I review all the issues to see if there are any issues I think my co-workers might have questions with. I trained my other two co-workers and try to keep them in the loop with issues that I am working on. So they can continue to learn and become independent."

Anonymous User · Answer

"¢ S: When I was the socials secretary for Bristol Hindu society, I oversaw the subcommittee made up of 7 freshers whose purpose was to run events for freshers.

"¢ T: It was my role to oversee the running of these events and make sure everyone knew what their role was and I had to set the example of what the standard was.

"¢ A: Tasks ranged from negotiating with venues to marketing events I always taught my team about good ethics and doing the best they could.

"¢ R: It resulted in our team running successful events and seeing a community grow with it."

Anonymous User · Answer

"test automation with the platform team"

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have visited classrooms and modeled many classroom management strategies for teachers. I have modeled how to conduct effective parent-teacher conferences when dealing with difficult topics. Teachers have shared that they were grateful for the feedback and support."

Anonymous User · Answer

"When serving as charge nurse, I responded to call lights, and I help out nurses with their meds passes when they were running behind on pt care. I did this because I expected team members to help out with call lights, and to help their co-workers when it was necessary."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have often been the senior therapist on a shift and in the NICU. I have found that my attitude can set the tempo for the shift. I feel it's important to be positive and excited about what we do. That will be contagious and helps to set others up to have a positive day."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Since the COVID 19 has been started last year, our business was going down to 60% I was really stressed by upper management to cut down our staff. I did not show my stress in the office and used different ways to generate business, cut down our expanse. As a result, I was able to retain most of our staff during this pandemic. I feel my positive attitude helped others to feel hopeful.For instance: I suggested my high-ups rather go for layoff, we share a proposal with our staff in general meeting to cut down our salary voluntarily for 3 months so that no one can be laid off and we all can survive in this pandemic. This idea was highly appreciated by my high ups and staff and considered lifesaving."

Anonymous User · Answer

"When I was on a standardization project, I needed to ensure I was actively involved, able to take part when my attention was required, and showed support when needed. I have also participated in the dry run process by taking part like any other members. I also wanted to show how we can make the task more creative and able to communicate when an issue arises."

When have you had to lead by example?

How to Answer: When have you had to lead by example?

7. When have you had to lead by example?

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