What type of leader do you consider yourself to be?

Each station will be timed for around 10 minutes. Use this time to give some concrete examples of times when your leadership skills benefitted a team effort. This can be from your educational, work, or personal history.

As you openly talk about the skills and qualities that make you a great leader, keep in mind the impression you are making on your interviewer at this MMI station. Remember that open communication, great listening skills, the ability to empathize, and taking charge when needed are qualities the program you are interviewing with is looking for in their PA students. After highlighting your leadership qualities, discuss a time or two when your leadership led to great results when working with others.

"I think of myself as a leader who builds trust among any team I lead and is always willing to jump in and lead by example when necessary. Whether it's my current student colleagues in my undergraduate program or others that I've worked alongside in the job I've held over the last four years, they all would be willing to let you know that I have excellent communication skills. I can deliver bad news in a way that is understood and empathizes with others. I'm also very in tune with having difficult conversations respectfully and professionally. As a shift leader in my retail position, I've had to be a part of several employee terminations over the last two years. While difficult at first, a great manager once told me that focusing on the task at hand and being forthright with the terminated employee was the best approach for the employee, me, and the company. In a few instances, the terminated employee thanked me for my honesty and was very apologetic. In this role, I also schedule shifts and take a very open approach with my team on their requests for days off. I never hesitate to let staff members communicate amongst each other to find solutions that work for the entire team."