Management Mock Interview
Master 25 Management interview questions covering leadership, delegation, and team dynamics.
Question 23 of 25
As a manager, who has been your greatest influence?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"The first CEO I reported to was a tremendous influence on my career. She helped form my passion for business early on, shaping me to become a better business leader along the way. I strive to be a leader who is fair and supportive yet able to uphold strong expectations. I work hard to exude great care for our customers and be mindful of the needs of my team members."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"My second manager out of college, John, was my first and most influential mentor. I learned about the industry, how to manage a diverse set of personalities, and how to coach while maintaining professional friendships and strong rapport with employees. Even though I left that company over three years ago, I still joke that I follow the 'What would John do?' school of thought for many of my tough decisions. We still keep in touch, and I am grateful for his influence."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I would say the biggest influence on my management style is my mom. She has been the leader of our household, taking charge and delegating tasks like a pro. At the same time, she delegates as appropriate and leads with compassion and kindness. She expects us to rise to the occasion and do our best for the family. This method is how I've chosen to lead my teams: with high expectations, kindness, and a desire to help everyone do their best."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"The greatest influence in my career as a marketer and a manager is Gary Vaynerchuk. He was one of the earliest adopters of social media and has helped millions of people desiring to stand out. I admire his approach with people and how he can be a mentor to teenagers who aspire to be entrepreneurs and seasoned executives who are well into a lucrative career."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"The greatest influence in my career is the executive whom I currently support. He gave me a chance and employed me, even when I had minimal administrative experience and had come fresh out of school. I have worked very hard for him for 10 years. In turn, he has taught me a great deal about business and mindful leadership."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"As an educator, my greatest influence has been the teachers that I have had along the way. The good and the bad! I learn and develop by observing those around me and taking note of what I like and what I do not like. Then, I take what I like and build my own teaching approach and classroom philosophies."
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
The interviewer wants to discuss some of the main influences you have had in your management career. Discuss who you admire and who you desire to emulate in your management approach. Many intelligent and inspiring thought leaders are available to teach you about leadership, workplace culture, people management and shape your management style. Describe a person that has defined what kind of leader you wish to be.
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"The greatest influence in my career has been one of my professors from ABC university. Mr. Smith was my professor in Business Ethics, and I connected well with his teaching style. Even after graduating university, we kept in touch, and he has greatly influenced my coaching, teaching, and leadership style."
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Anonymous Answer
The greatest influence in my career is the executive whom I support. He gave me a chance when I had minimal business knowledge and management experience. I have worked very hard for him over the years, and in turn, he has helped shape my people and management style: get buy-in for your business plan and sharp focus on the execution of the roadmap.
Cindy's Feedback
Nice! Your answer also demonstrates your value of opportunity and growth. I would expand by discussing management, specifically. Did your executive model good management skills? What did you learn from him about managing? Do you have an example?
Anonymous Answer
How to manage a diverse set of personalities, and how to coach, all while maintaining a professional level of friendship and rapport with employees.
Marcie's Feedback
While your response sounds great, it doesn't directly answer the question. Try to think of a person who has acted as a role model to you when it comes to management. This might be someone who used to manage you or perhaps it was a parent, teacher, boss, or colleague. If you can't think of anyone, perhaps there's a book you have read or inspirational video you've watched that influenced how you manage?
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