How to Answer: What's your approach to encouraging innovation in the workplace?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Entry-Level Manager job interview.
19. What's your approach to encouraging innovation in the workplace?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer wants to see how you bring out the best in the individuals on your team. Embracing a company's DEI efforts and sustainability goals is often integral to promoting innovation in the workplace. When everyone is given a voice and diverse perspectives are encouraged and heard, they feel more encouraged to contribute. These are key elements to fostering a vibrant a work culture while driving the progress of the goals of the company.
However, not every idea should be implemented. As Angela Merkel once said, "Remember that openness always involves risks." If implementing an idea results in success, that member of your team should get all the credit. Yet, if the idea isn't a success, the responsibility falls on you. So how you communicate with, and encourage the contributions of your team, and the decisions you make, all fall on effective leadership.
Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024
Answer Example
"Well, I wouldn't necessarily say I take a fully democratic approach when it comes to solving problems. But I will say that I give everyone a voice, and make sure everyone on my team feels like their voice is heard. I am very transparent in my communication style, and I host frequent meetings or huddles to get everyone on the same page, to inform them of what we are facing, and the challenges we have to overcome. Aside from those matters which I personally need to handle, I open the floor up to invite alternate approaches, for any ideas and input, which often results in innovative solutions which I hadn't considered. It is these solutions that increase productivity, contribute to efficiency, and keep us accelerating forward. However, if someone offers solutions that have been tried and tested before, I'll acknowledge the merit of their suggestions. Then I'll explain why we won't adopt their approach, and encourage them to keep coming up with equally credible ideas."
Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024