Tell me about a time when you influenced the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role.

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Answer Example
Community Answers

The interviewer wants to hear about a positive experience you have had with leadership. Think about a time when you led a sports team, led a college project, managed a store, or coached a little league team. These are all great examples! Start off by giving the interviewer a high-level overview of what you were leading, and share that you enjoyed the experience. Discuss the positive outcome that the group had, and explain that you would gladly lead again!

"In college, I was on the leadership board for a club called Outdoor Adventures. The club was focused on leading groups of students on day-long trips in the great outdoors. This often involved hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, swimming, climbing, etc. As we thought up new ideas for trips in our area, I had the idea of starting a quarterly triathlon-style trip. The trip would include an opportunity for swimming, biking, and running in the same day-long trip. I scouted out some locations, put together an itinerary, planned transportation and meals, marketed the trip to our members, and ended up leading four very successful trips that school year. I loved the opportunity to see this project through, from a simple idea to a really unique experience that the club still offers to this day."

Anonymous Answer

"The mortgage company of the association requested that the underground oil tank be removed immediately or the association would be fined. I immediately called on contractors the association approved, and I oversaw the project starting with building permits and open communication with the department of health."

Rachelle's Feedback

Nice beginnings! One suggestion - when answering behavioral-based interview questions, be sure to adequately address the situation, your task (and why it was your task), the action that you took in as much detail as possible, and then the result or outcome. We have a guide that you will help you craft a fuller answer: Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method

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Anonymous Answer

"I helped organize a pet adoption event through our company's volunteer organization. With a 5-month planning period and the help of other team members, we were able to accomplish the impossible. We were able to partner with 5 rescue agencies, capture sponsorship with local businesses, bring the community together, and secure several foster applications & adoptions. I enjoyed this experience, and it increased my team members' morale. I would gladly lead another event like this again! It was worth it. I gain a new addition to the family and a best friend."

Rachelle's Feedback

This story is quite heartwarming, and I love your enthusiasm! When it comes to the influence that you had, it would be best to provide more detail around the initial 'issue' to create some tension on your story between the unwanted outcome and the positive outcome. If you'd like to research the STAR framework for answering 'Tell me about a time...' questions, we have a guide here: Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method