How to Answer: What do you think is the difference between a leader and a manager?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Food Service Manager job interview.
3. What do you think is the difference between a leader and a manager?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you understand what makes a leader genuinely stand out. Just because you are a manager, that does not mean you are a leader. A natural leader is someone who makes others want to jump on board with their mission and follow them. A manager is just someone who has people reporting to them. To be an excellent leader, you should offer a balance between the two approaches. You need to be able to have people buy into your vision but at the same time, show authority when necessary.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 1st, 2019
Entry Level
"A manager is someone who has a team of people who answer to them. A leader is someone of influence and, I believe anyone can be a leader - no matter their job title or position. I have the skills and desire to be both. I am organized, and I can command the attention of others. I understand goal setting. On the same note, I can be empathetic, I listen effectively, and I lead by example."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"A leader is someone who people want to follow. A manager is someone who others feel they have to follow. I think a manager or supervisor should be a healthy blend of both. As a Food Service Manager, I am sure to speak to the strengths of each of my team members, which is one important quality of a leader. I read many leadership books that have helped me develop good habits over the years, such as effectively offering feedback."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 1st, 2019