Describe your ideal manager.
The interviewer is trying to understand your preferred management style; in some cases, the person interviewing you could be your potential manager, and this will help them determine if you would align well with them. Be sure you research the culture of the NHS and, if possible, research the background and education of the person you're interviewing with.
Consider past employers and the best leader you had. Think about what traits or habits they demonstrated that made them someone you enjoyed working with. In your response, explain some of the qualities you're looking for in a leader but also demonstrate that you're flexible and work well under different types of management styles.
"As a new nurse, it's important to have a supportive and patient manager. I value a manager who keeps lines of communication open and with who I feel comfortable approaching if I have a concern or need assistance. Additionally, I think it's important for a manager to be supportive and inclusive when it comes to listening to the feedback, ideas, and opinions of others. Collaborative and innovative teams contribute to better patient care and outcomes."
"My ideal manager genuinely cares about their employees and their success. I once had a manager who, in our one on ones, always started by asking how my family was, and that meant a lot. She would also ask what was going well and what wasn't and took an interest in helping me succeed. I also value a manager with good communication skills. I appreciate when updates and changes are communicated, and my manager follows up when they say they will. I also respect a manager who mentors their employees, is available and encourages people to ask questions when they need guidance."
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