How to Answer: What qualities does a great leader have? Which do you possess?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Physician Assistant job interview.
31. What qualities does a great leader have? Which do you possess?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you understand the qualities that a great leader should possess. 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.
Written by Krista Wenz on January 31st, 2023
Entry Level Example
"Great leaders have the ability to delegate, lead by example, and teach and mentor others. Great leaders understand what motivates their team and are willing to accept feedback and suggestions. I possess all of those qualities, which I learned from my mentor."
Written by Krista Wenz on January 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"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 myself, so they could see that I was committed to the outcome. I learned this from a mentor of mine when I was starting out as a PA."
Written by Krista Wenz on January 31st, 2023
Experienced Example
"First and foremost, a leader should be able to get the team excited about the short and long-term goals of the facility. 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 physician assistants, nursing staff, and patients."
Written by Krista Wenz on January 31st, 2023
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
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Rachelle's Feedback
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Rachelle's Feedback
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I have always deemed myself to have those qualities. Throughout my training as a Physician Assistant, I have formed strong relationships with my colleagues both at University and clinical placements. I did this by being personable with the people I work with. I employed compassion and respect when dealing with their strengths and weaknesses. An example of when I did this was during Problem Based Learning exercises, on a regular basis effectively chairing the meetings when discussing patient cases, together with my team of Physician Assistants, we effectively unraveled undifferentiated cases to reach a working diagnosis."
Chad's Feedback
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Marcie's Feedback
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The best preceptors that I've had are people who make themselves available for questions and help out when needed, but have also provided me with opportunities to grow. I would say I am patient and a good listener. I find that interactions in high-stress settings like the medical field go much smoother when people feel heard. I lead with questions and do my best to ensure mutual understanding so I can best help in every unique situation."
Jaymie's Feedback