A Job Interview Question that Predicts How Someone Will Lead
The job interview begins when you ask an unexpected question.
A job interview question that predicts how someone will lead:
“If you had to work for a leader who was outstanding in five of the following character traits, what are the top five traits you would pick?
- Creative
- Curious
- Driven for results
- Organized
- Kind
- Humorous
- Dedicated
- Relationship oriented
- Fair
- Fun
- Humble
- Bold
- Decisive
- Loves learning
- Perseverance
- Forgiving
- High energy
- Honest
- Stands up for their team
- Develops people
Follow up questions:
Ask the following questions after they circle the top five traits they desire in leaders.
#1. Please define each trait you chose and give an example of a leader you admire who exemplifies that trait.
The people we admire reveal what’s important to us. For example, you might admire Michael Jordan for his work ethic.
#2. Notice some traits that are important to you that your candidate didn’t choose and ask, “Why didn’t you choose ‘bold’?” for example.
Create your own list:
Include the essential qualities you want in leaders. When you’re working toward collaborative leadership, include qualities essential for collaborative leadership. When accountability is a top trait you want to see, add things like:
- Brings up tough issues
- Holds people accountable
- Always follows through
- Never drops the ball
Use the team:
Choose an essential leadership trait you want in future leaders. Say, “Imagine you have a team member who struggles to make decisions. How would you help them get better at this?”
Listen for behavioral solutions, not theories.
Involve the current team:
Ask your team to create a list of the five top leadership qualities they would love to see in a new team member. Ask them to define their terms and give examples.
Use their list in the job interview.
What are some of the best job interview questions?
Still curious:
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Dan, I like your suggested approach. You also might ask the applicant, “What actions do you take to model that character trait?”
I read an article recently that suggested giving the applicant the questions you will ask several days prior to the interview. You get more thoughtful answers.
Thanks Paul. What a wonderful added question.
I can think of two sides to sending questions ahead of time. Spontaneity might be revelatory of inner character, but introverts are at a distinct disadvantage.
Dan,
Great suggestion to collect a top 5 list of leadership qualities from the team. I’m looking to hire a new leader soon and this is a great way to get them involved in the process. Perfect timing of this article, thank you
Thanks Deb. The suggestion I made today came from a coaching conversation I led. The original approach was a little different than the one I proposed today. The orginal approach was to identify the top performing leaders in your organization and find the top 3 to 5 qualities they all exhibit along with what they do to exhibit those qualities then use that list. In any case you get involvement.
“Honest”. Can there be another #1? Not in my opinion.
Loved today’s LFB. Thanks!
Thanks, Harod. Well, some might say courage. Honesty requires courage. Brining it up in a job interview might produce a useful conversation.
Contemplating how to use this information from the opposite side of the interview: looking for a new position. Very thoughtful.
Great insights – this could be a very powerful part of the hiring process. Also a great conversation to have about values as a leadership team. Thanks!
Honest is my first choice, if we can’t be honest we are in trouble.I always like kind and humble leaders who climbed the ladder with sweat equity! They know what it takes. Decisive individuals interest me as well they know the road to take.
All the choices can fit into many people.
If a test was involved perhaps ask them why the answered the question this way perhaps.
Have them rank the entire list rather than just picking their top five. Still focus on the top five in the follow up questions (define and give an example, why X is lower than Y). But it at least tells you where they rank the rest of the items, which is an important insight.
I have always imagined how difficult it is to be able to to ask the right questions in interviews. I have been a part of only a few and it is challenging to get a true understanding of how the individual will be. I believe this questions can truly help understand what values the person holds to a high standard and if they align with yours. Thank you for sharing!