How to Answer: We are struggling with leadership in our restaurant. How will your leadership make us better?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Restaurant Manager job interview.
22. We are struggling with leadership in our restaurant. How will your leadership make us better?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know more about your leadership philosophy so they can ensure your leadership style will be a fit for their workplace culture, and the changes they need to be successful. You can keep your answer short but be sure to include important keywords that will make you a stand-out candidate. If the interviewer mentions some struggles, you should ask them more specifics surrounding those challenges. This way, you can address their specific challenges in your answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"Here are some leadership qualities you may have:
- Ability to lead by example
- Strong relationship building skills
- Willingness to accept feedback
- Ability to give constructive feedback with a call to action
- Honesty and transparency
- Public speaking
- Ability to reason and understand all side
- Willingness to take chances
- Clarity in communication
- Excellent listening skills
- Command in presence
- Authentic in communication
- Socially compatible
- Empathy and compassion for your team
- Willingness to be uncomfortable and address disputes head-on
- Ability to empower your team members
- Negotiation skills
- Ability to inspire your team members
- Ability to teach and train"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"You mentioned earlier that you previous manager led too much as a totalitarian and was not collaborative. My leadership style can be summed up as collaborative, inspiring, and motivation based. I like to get to know my staff and what motivates them to come to work each day. I have found that my employees respond best when they are given some autonomy and also additional responsibilities. I will often give new tasks to my team, and let them show me what they are made of!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"It sounds like you have had some employee turnover problems and I would look to see if we could improve morale among the servers. I'd also like to implement additional training that allows the staff to communicate better as a team. I'd work with the leadership team to learn more about business goals so that I can work towards those as well. When everyone is invested, as far as the short and long-term goals of the business, the entire team runs more smoothly."
Written by Rachelle Enns