What qualities do you feel make a manager successful?
A great manager is someone to who people want to emulate. An active manager will have exceptional interpersonal, and relationship building skills. Talk to the interviewer about some of the qualities that you admire, and value, in a leader.
If you are applying for a management position, discuss the best management qualities that you hold. It's a great idea to draw some ideas from the company's job description as that document will have many useful keywords you can bring into the conversation.
Some great management qualities are:
- Accountable
- Invested in Culture
- Positive Mindset
- Perceptive
- Approachable
- Empathetic
- Honest
- Patient
- Decisive
"Most importantly, I think a successful manager should have great people skills. People are your most valuable asset and your ability to work with, get along with and inspire people to work well with you is critical to your success as a manager."
"I believe the best type of manager leads by example at all times. They are approachable, hardworking, and fair. Also, they don't just talk the talk without walking the walk. It is irksome when a leader says that we need to put in the long hours but leaves earlier than everyone else, for instance."
"In my experience, a manager is only as successful as their investment in their people is strong. A manager must care for their employees, and make sure they are growing to meet expectations. A successful manager will communicate expectations, hold people accountable for achievable goals and be the shining light that gets everyone fired up to do their best at all times. That means not taking favorites, and leading by example at all times."
"I think the most successful manager is someone who is firm but nurturing. I like a manager who is like a coach, always working to make me better and willing to teach me something, but firm and direct when needed."
"I believe it's essential that a leader identifies talent and nurtures it. I've seen far too many Principals and District leads choose favorites and let more talented folks go by the wayside, which is a shame for everyone involved. A leader needs to be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always ready to roll up his or her sleeves and tackle even the smallest of projects to help out the team.
"I read in your job description for this role that you are looking for a manager who is collaborative and energetic. I agree that these are must-have qualities for a manager to be successful. I certainly identify with these qualities. Some qualities that make me a successful manager are my strong listening and analytical skills, and my decisiveness when it comes to decision making."
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 believe a successful manager should provide the team with the big picture, a view, and a vision of where we are going, while also focusing on results.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are all great factors for a successful manager to balance. Well said!
Anonymous Answer
I am an energetic person, dedicated, loyal, and trust my decision making.
Lauren's Feedback
I assisted with adding more context; take every opportunity to provide details about yourself to stand out.
I have interfaced with both good and bad managers, which has offered me the opportunity to learn from positive traits and avoid negative ones. I believe a successful manager is a person who brings positive energy into the workplace to motivate others, is dedicated to their role, exudes company loyalty, and can be a swift decision-maker. I strive to lead by example and try my best to exude all of these vital qualities.
Anonymous Answer
Approachable, active listener, motivator, inspirational, willing to get their hands dirty, advocates for the team, decisive, and does the right thing.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are very important qualities. If you possess these qualities yourself, be sure to mention this. You could also tell a short story of a time when you helped someone achieve these qualities in the workplace.
Anonymous Answer
I think a successful manager should be empathetic and ready to assist his employees. He should be willing to build a connection with his employees and know their strengths and weakness. When the employees are in trouble, he should be ready to give mentorship and help the employee out. His employees should be willing to cooperate with the manager and respect him from the bottom of the heart.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a thorough and well thought out answer. Very well said! Be sure to show the interviewer that you have these qualities as well, especially if you are interviewing for a management role.
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