Managers must command the attention of their team members. As a new manager, how do you plan to achieve this goal?
Managers follow many important best practices to lead their teams effectively and produce excellent results. Since you are a new manager, the interviewer wants to hear specifically how you believe you will command your team members' attention and generate successful results under your leadership.
"I have been preparing myself for many months to approach a position in management. During my preparation and research, I learned that a staggering number of employees believe that their managers are ineffective communicators. There is significant dissatisfaction among employees when asked about workplace communication. To command my team members' attention, I will be specific and clear about the team's objectives and visit these goals regularly. I will do everything I can to avoid misinformation and confusion. I will speak truthfully, openly, and with honesty and transparency. I believe that these efforts will ensure my new team members are captivated and eager, active participants."
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
The road to success is communication - if we know that we have to drive to Halifax, and it has to be by car by the 15th we have a very clear goal. Planning would be pretty straightforward. If I presented the scenario which was more ambiguous, get to Halifax, somehow sometime then we would struggle to make a plan, and things would fall apart quite quickly as misinterpretations and misunderstandings take place.
This is why I love having clear set-out goals and objectives, having them written down, and regular open dialogue so everyone is on the same page. I try to be as clear as possible, I will either send an email before a meeting and/or after the meeting follow-up with key outcomes, dates, and relevant details to the end goal. For larger projects, before the meeting ends I will set a date for a follow-up, or a debrief to evaluate the project
Jaymie's Feedback
Communication is key! These are great strategies to help you achieve the goal in question.
Unlock all 40 New Manager questions
Unlock expert responses to questions assessing your readiness to lead teams.
Get Started