What type of manager do you best work with?
"I can get along well with many different management types; however, I work best with managers who like to coach, train, and develop their staff. My current manager is not a strong leader in these ways which is why I am seeking a new opportunity. Could you describe the work style of the manager in this role?"
"I am the type of manager who prefers to show versus tell. In turn, I like to work with people who live by the same philosophy. I like urgency but do not appreciate those who panic and create unsettling urgency in everything they do. Please tell me a bit more about the management style present in your organization."
"I believe the most successful managers, in the marketing realm, are those who show a balance of creativity and the ability to manage a project, continually pushing it forward. I work best with managers who are organized, upbeat, and positive. This type of environment can foster a great deal of creativity. Would you agree?"
"Retail managers should be friendly, customer-service driven, patient, and willing to train. I recall the first manager I had in a retail environment. She wanted me to succeed and dedicated her time to train me properly. This attitude made all the difference for me. I am excited to hear more about the management styles within your company."
"The best sales manager that I ever had was someone newer to their management career who encouraged us to develop ourselves professionally, at every given time. He lived by the Grant Cardone '10X Rule' which was, if you are not pushing yourself ten times harder than everyone else, you will never be more than average. I like a manager who can drive me in a fun, competitive, and motivating way."
"How would you best describe the management style at your school? My current leadership team is kind, collaborative, thoughtful, and resourceful."
The interviewer would like assurance that you are going to get along well with the manager whom you would be reporting to in this role. There are many different management styles, and perhaps you do well with a variety of them. Tell the interviewer about your favorite manager in the past, and why you worked so well together. You should also ask the interviewer in return if they can describe the working style of the person to whom you would be reporting.
"I work well with a manager who can set clear guidelines and then allow me to perform my best work. I am independent; however, I love a collaborative work environment. This best describes my current work environment. Could you share with me a bit more about the work style of the person to whom I would be reporting?"
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 work best with a manager who supports the team. I prefer a manager who would not only work on his command skills and stand on the side but who would work alongside the team.
Rachelle's Feedback
I am sure it goes without saying, but be sure to avoid male and female pronouns in your responses. I have reworded, below.
"I appreciate managers who are supportive of their team. When a leader can join in and collaborate to meet team goals, it's motivating and encouraging."
Anonymous Answer
I work well with a manager who sets clear guidelines that allow me to perform my best work. Primarily a manager who is easy to talk to and one I can easily approach to ask questions. Even though I can work independently, I do enjoy working in a collaborative environment.
Alexandra's Feedback
Great answer!
Anonymous Answer
I am the type of manager that prefers action over just words. I hate when people always come unsettling and confuse other people around them.
Rachelle's Feedback
Certainly, avoid the word 'hate' or excessively negative words in an interview. How can you re-frame this response to be positive? The question is asking what you best work with - not what you dislike, so there is no need to go to the dark side :)
Anonymous Answer
I really enjoy working with the manager who is easy to talk to, or I can ask him any question, who can set a guideline for the team that helps anyone in the team to reach their maximum performance without feeling stressed.
Also, I'm able to work individually, but I really appreciate the teamwork environment.
Cindy's Feedback
Great. Since it's unclear what your potential manager's style is, it's good to reflect your flexibility.
Anonymous Answer
Each of my managers had his or her unique style, and I worked well with all of them. The qualities I most appreciated were when I was trusted with consequential responsibilities and when I felt my opinion was valued.
Cindy's Feedback
Good! You're showing the ability to flex among different styles, which is key to answering this question well.
Unlock all 30 Telephone questions
Prepare for voice-only interviews where tone, clarity, and professionalism matter most.
Get Started