How to Answer: When have you had to lead by example?
7. When have you had to lead by example?
How to 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.
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Answer Example
"(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."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Admin
"(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."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Manager
"(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."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Marketing
"(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."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Retail
"(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."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Sales
"(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."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Teacher
"(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."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
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"¢ 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."
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