Question: Describe a time when you had to help a subordinate solve a problem or meet an objective. What did you do and what was the outcome?

Alternative Question Phrasing:

Follow-up questions:

How often do you do this?

Question Details:

Question Type:

Behavioral

Skills:

Basic – Critical Thinking,Basic – Monitoring (Making observations of self and environment),Social – Coordination (Adjusting one’s own actions in relation to others)

Other Factors:

Management Level,Personality-Job Fit,Personality-Organization Fit,Self-Awareness

Work Activity (Task):

Interacting with Others – Performance Management (Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates),Mental Processes – Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work Context (Person-Job/Team/Org Fit):

Interpersonal Relationships – Coordinate or Lead Others

Work Style (Person-Job Fit):

Achievement/Effort (Action/Result Orientation),Adaptability/Flexibility,Leadership/Command,Social Orientation (Work Alone vs Group Work)

Question Frequency

Question Difficulty

What to look for in an answer:

The candidate’s management skills.
The candidate’s performance management skills.

Red Flags to Watch For:

The candidate’s poor management skills.

Sample Answer:

I have an open door policy so that whenever my subordinates encounter a problem, they can discuss it with me and I can guide them on how to overcome the challenge. Mentoring and motivating are part of my duties are a manager.

Question Source: Unknown