How to answer “Are you a leader or a follower?”
Here are some steps to help you prepare your answer to this question:
1. Think about your previous experiences
It’s important for you to share a past example with the interviewer. Reflect on your previous leadership experiences. While you may not have formal leadership experience as a manager or supervisor, you may have influenced your coworkers to act or respond in a certain way. It’s also important for you to think about times your ability to follow directions and listen to leaders helped your team achieve success.
2. Choose an example that a balance between leading and following
Identify an example of a time you showed characteristics of both a leader and a follower. Think about the choices you made and how the situation affected your decision to lead or follow. Consider how your flexibility affected the success of the project.
3. Explain how you see yourself
Begin your answer with how you see yourself. Tell the interviewer if you consider yourself to be more of a leader or follower and why. You may also answer the question that you view yourself as a leader or follower based on what the situation requires. If you consider yourself more of a follower, you may also consider expressing a desire to gain more leadership experience.You may also provide details about your personal leadership philosophy. For example, consider providing your approach to influencing others and your decision-making process. Talk about how you feel about dealing with changes or how you maintain an optimistic point of view.
4. Provide an answer using the STAR method
