What qualities do you feel a should leader have?

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The interviewer would like to know that you understand the qualities that a great leader should possess because the Nurse Practitioner that they hire at their organization needs to be a natural leader on their care team. Highlight your ability to work with a team and actively communicate. If you had a great mentor or supervisor in your past, feel free to mention something specific about what you learned from them that you could bring to this role.

"In our work setting, a leader needs to possess the ability to mentor others, delegate work among the team, and be able to lead by example in times of need. My inspiration for pursuing this career further came from a great NP I worked with as an RN, and he really inspired me with these same leadership qualities. He was never hesitant to lead by example and take an opportunity to help me learn and grow. As I enter a new practice as a Nurse Practitioner, I would look to be a great mentor and leader to this team."

"I believe that being a great leader requires a balance between working collaboratively with your team members while also being a consistent individual contributor. For example, we have a department project where everyone must work together to reorganize the supply closet, and each team member has an assigned task. I must strategically plan the work for the team and communicate productively and professionally for everyone to understand the goal. I also took on a small part of the project to see that I was committed to the outcome. I learned this from a mentor of mine when I was starting as a nurse."

"First and foremost, a leader should have the ability to get the team excited about the short and long-term goals of both the unit and the organization. A great leader should also be empathetic, responsible, and reliable. Among these skills, I also bring the ability to maintain a harmonious relationship with other nursing staff, patients, and physician staff."

Anonymous Answer

"I believe a great leader should possess the ability to effectively motivate team members to deliver the task at hand, and at the same time, be a consistent individual contributor to the group as well. A leader should live by example and knows when to delegate and when to be an active participant. He should be patient, a good listener, accommodating, and a great resource person in the group."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your answer is thoughtful, insightful, and stated extremely well. Very nice work!

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Anonymous Answer

"A leader should effectively communicate with all team members on both a personal and professional level. Also, delegate tasks fairly and equitably, be a motivating force that those who work with can rely on as a mentor, and recognize that a team can only be as good as the leadership they provide."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are all fantastic qualities of a leader. Very well said! Do you feel that you possess these leadership qualities yourself?

Anonymous Answer

"A leader should have short-term and long-term goals. A leader should delegate tasks and then following up on implementation. Leaders should have good motivational skills. Leaders should get involved with team activities."

Stephanie's Feedback

These are all very positive qualities, but I'd suggest you provide some specific examples as they pertain to this role. (So, "A leader should delegate tasks and follow up on implementation. For example,_________________)