INTERVIEW COACH
Rachelle Enns
Rachelle is a job search expert, career coach, and headhunter who helps everyone from students to fortune 500 executives find success in their career.
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Behavioral
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Leadership
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Would you rather lead or follow?
TIPS TO PREPARE
TOP ANSWERS
OUR COACH SAYS
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The interviewer would like to know if you identify more as a leader, or a follower, so they can further understand where to place you when the time comes. Give an honest answer but try to avoid pigeonholing yourself into one particular stereotype.
Example #1
"I can quite easily swap between leading and following, depending on the situation. Naturally, I am inclined to lead, but when I am expected to sit back and absorb, I am completely able to do that as well."
Example #2
"I would rather lead in some instances, and follow in others. While I am training and gathering my bearings, I will be more of a listener and follower. Once I know the ropes, I can comfortably take the lead whenever required of me."
Example #3
"As a manager, I am most certainly more of a leader. With that said, I love to learn and absorb new things with requires me to be a follower at times too."
Example #4
"I am more of a follower at times, meaning I like to listen, learn, and absorb. When needed, I am happy to jump into a leadership role as well."
Example #5
"Being in retail, and as a student, I am usually following as opposed to leading. That's not to say that I cannot be a fantastic leader as well. I group project at school, I often take the lead, and I enjoy that."
Example #6
"I am a leader by nature. I am competitive and like to hit my goals and coach others to do the same. With that said, I will be a happy and attentive follower when required."
Example #7
"Teachers always take the lead, it seems - and I am happy to do so! I believe that I offer a solid balance between leading and following, swapping between the two when it's appropriate."
Anonymous Answer
"I am a leader by nature, and I believe that's because I am so competitive. Before you can be a good leader, you must learn to follow. While I have a lot of ambition to be promoted into a leadership role, I'd like to learn the ropes here first so that I can begin with a solid basis."
Rachelle's Reply
The fact that you are interested in learning before you lead, shows a lot of maturity. This is a perfect response.
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Anonymous Answer
"I see myself as a bit of both. I lead and guide teams to success through leadership development, coaching, mentoring, and performance management, and all of this is combined to follow the Lead of Head of the Organization."
Rachelle's Reply
The answer shows a balance between being a leader and a follower. A great leader knows when it's time to fall back a step, and then step back in when needed.
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More Interview Q&As
Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.
Behavioral
Common
Phone
Tough
Leadership
All Interview Topics
All Career Q&As
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