Excel in your interview with 34 Program Manager questions covering cross-functional leadership, stakeholder alignment, and delivery strategy.
Question 26 of 34
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Karrie Day is a certified career coach and strategist with a passion for helping her clients define and reach their professional goals. She offers career advancement services such as brand development, resume writing and critiques, job search strategies,
Program managers are leaders, but they require support and leadership from their management. Interviewers ask this question to determine if a candidate's expectations for support are in alignment with the leadership style of those who manage the role.

Karrie Day is a certified career coach and strategist with a passion for helping her clients define and reach their professional goals. She offers career advancement services such as brand development, resume writing and critiques, job search strategies,
Remember to be as honest as possible about what you feel you need to be supported in a new role. In the event that this question does not come up, consider rephrasing it to ask the hiring manager how they intend to support your work. It is important to match your expectations with a management approach that can meet your needs for development and encouragement.

Karrie Day is a certified career coach and strategist with a passion for helping her clients define and reach their professional goals. She offers career advancement services such as brand development, resume writing and critiques, job search strategies,
"There are three main ways a management team can support me in a program manager role. First, I appreciate managers who clearly communicate the expectations of my role. Additionally, I find it helpful for managers to make roles and responsibilities clear in situations with overlap if they have a preference for how things should be handled.
Second, I believe in an accountable culture that values continual reflection and improvement. I feel supported by management teams that foster these values. I feel supported by management which allows room for the risk that comes alongside innovation and learning.
Finally, I feel best supported by managers who are willing to fight for what teams need to be successful. This sometimes means going outside the bounds of what is usual and customary in order to do the right thing. I resonate with that kind of bravery and leadership."

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Written by Karrie Day
34 Questions & Answers • Program Manager

By Karrie

By Karrie