How to Answer: Do you prefer to handle things yourself or to delegate to others?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Project Manager job interview.
6. Do you prefer to handle things yourself or to delegate to others?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is the interviewer's way of finding out if you are a micromanager or not. Most likely, the interviewer is looking for someone who is comfortable delegating tasks to others because trying to do everything by oneself is a recipe for disaster, particularly during a large project. You want to show that you are a leader who puts together strong teams and then allows others to do their jobs so you can do yours.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on January 5th, 2021
How to Answer
Convince the interviewer that you know how to delegate and that you trust the members of the team as appropriate. Also, be sure to communicate that you are willing to assist a fellow teammate who is struggling at any time as needed. This will demonstrate that you are a servant leader willing to go the extra mile on behalf of your team, your clients, and your company.
Written by Karrie Day on April 23rd, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have learned throughout the years that I simply can't do everything myself! But I can establish high standards that I expect my teams to meet and exceed.
I start by assembling good teams that are filled with people who are smart and enthusiastic. Then, I lay out my expectations for each of them - using project management software - and clearly communicate these to them. Finally, I trust them to complete their tasks but provide guidance along the way if they need it. I also continually monitor everyone's progress using the software so if anyone does slack or fall behind, I can discuss this with them and develop a short-term action plan to resolve the issue."
Written by Karrie Day on April 23rd, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I think that it depends on what it is. If it's an administrative task that I can delegate to give someone the opportunity to learn and the team has the capacity for it, I will delegate it. If the task I am working on is only something that I can work on, I reshuffle other things off my plate by delegating so that I am able to get other things done. I always say a team is stronger when we work together."
Written by Jessica H. on May 9th, 2023
About the Author
I began my professional career as an IT Business Systems Analyst. I enjoyed the role, but I knew early on that I wanted to explore project management after moving through the analyst ranks. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to partner with several talented project managers while I was working to grow my own skill set. I learned a lot from them about how to approach strategic planning, communication, conflict resolution, and how to motivate various personality types to perform their best under pressure. I learned even more from their failures.
It was clear that project management was as much an art as a science, and I eventually got my shot at taking everything I had observed over the years and blending it into my own style for steering projects and programs successfully. While project management was not my ultimate career goal, I greatly value my time managing projects. I have utilized the skills I worked to refine in project management in every position I have held since. For example, I use the communication, strategic thinking, and tactical planning skills I regularly leaned on as a project manager each time I work with one of my coaching clients.
Whether working as a project manager is a career goal of yours, or you fell into it through circumstance, you’re in good company. Over 16 million professionals claim the title of project manager, and project management isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the number of project managers is expected to grow by 7% over the next 8 years according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics. According to the Project Management Institute, the global outlook is even more impressive boasting up to 33% growth through 2027. Regardless of the specific location, there will likely b a strong demand for project management skill sets in the years to come.
As a coach and writer for MockQuestions, I want to help you successfully navigate your upcoming interview for a project manager position. While some project manager skills are specific to the industry, location, and types of projects involved, many skills and behavioral traits are universally applicable to project management roles. This article will help any project manager prepare for a successful interview, and I encourage you to check out all of our sets dedicated to project management listed below.
Learn more about Karrie Day