What kind of managers have you looked up to in the past?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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As a new manager, you must build your leadership style on a strong foundation. This foundation can be formed by learning from others. For this reason, the interviewer wants insight into the type of leaders that you admire and wish to emulate.

Perhaps you have been led by an intelligent and inspiring leader who taught you about leading with integrity and developing a healthy workplace culture. In that case, discuss who you looked up to in the past and why. Maybe you have not been so lucky and have had to work with challenging managers who did not set a strong example for you. In that case, think of the positive takeaways that you learned from the experience. Discuss how you took this potentially negative experience and turned it into a positive lesson on leadership.

"The manager I looked up to the most was my Sales Manager at Company XYZ. Not only was she an active listener and well-spoken, but she also put a lot of emphasis on creating an inclusive workplace that was comfortable for everyone. The most notable lesson that I learned from this manager was that everyone has a story, and each person has their own motivating factors. Although we are all a team, it's important to remember that everyone is an individual. I took this lesson to heart and will apply this approach as I enter my new career in management."

Anonymous Answer

"There are two managers that come to mind, both of them I had worked with for years.

Sabrina - manager for 7 years, mentor; you can be caring and friendly as a manager; you don't have to be distant all the time. She would eat lunch with everyone, great listener, and provide encouragement and feedback

Barb - head of education, very similar personality and approach.

Both are very down to earth, encouraging, and trusting which creates a lot of trust, and their teams and working with them is always a positive experience."