If you’re applying for a role that involves the supervision of others, you are likely to be asked about your management style. This information allows the employer to decide whether you’re suitable for the role and company. In this article we will discuss the most common management style and how you can form a great response to this common interview question.
Why do interviewers ask this question?
An employer will ask ‘what is your management style’ when they want to know whether or not you can lead and manage the needs of their current employees. This question will also indicate whether you are suitable for the role.
While there are different types of management styles, some employees and work places work better with specific management systems. An employer will want to ensure that your answer matches what the company is looking for.
Understanding your management style
In order to answer questions about how you manage, you need to understand which management styles represent you.
Mentoring management
A hands-on managerial style that relies on consistently supporting, encouraging and mentoring employees. This leadership style follows the idea that employees work best when they’re motivated and pushed to achieve more. This type of manager tends to focus on their employees and helps them to feel valued and appreciated. Managers who adapt this style, find that their employees work hard and produce high-quality work.
Democratic management
This type of management style relies on listening to employees and making choices for the company based on majority. Managers who follow this approach take into consideration the ideas and preferences of their employees, but are also able to make tough decisions. Democratic management relies heavily on trust and strong leadership skills.
Visionary management
Visionary management involves communicating a clear purpose and direction with employees. This vision is typically something the employees believe in, making them more likely to follow the manager’s ideas and execute them during work.
Visionary managers are firm yet fair. If employees are seen to be preforming well, a visionary leader listens, rewards and changes their strategy.
How to answer questions about your management style
Although management styles can be grouped together, a democratic manager may deal with specific situations differently than another. When preparing to talk about your management style, use the following approach to give a clear answer:
Describe your management style
It won’t be enough to define your management style in a word or two. Try to accurately describe your management style using detail, for example what your style entails both daily and long term. Use this as an opportunity to explain why your approach to managing is unique and well suited to the company specifically.
Provide examples
A great way to highlight your managerial skills is to provide examples of how your leadership skills have been successful previously. Share important details on how your skills have helped in previous situations that could arise in your new role.
Show that you’re a leader who cares
Highlight how your management style helps your employees feel valued and appreciated. Talking in detail about your management methods is a great opportunity to show that you’re a leader who cares!
Further tips on how to successfully answer interview questions
- Plan ahead: arrive well prepared and ensure you have carried out research on the company and it’s industry.
- Be concise: Try not to over explain and ensure that you’re as concise as possible with your answers.
- Be enthusiastic: Be positive, smiley and show that you care about the company and the position that you are applying for.
