Question: In your opinion and experience, which is the most important trait a leader should have?
Alternative Question Phrasing:
- In your opinion, what is the most important quality a leader should have?
Follow-up questions:
- Why did you choose this trait?
- What is the difference between a leader and a manager?
- Would you consider yourself a leader?
Question Details:
Question Type:
Knowledge:
Work Activity (Task):
Information Input – Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events,Interacting with Others – Assigning Tasks to Others (Delegation and Direction),Interacting with Others – Coaching and Developing Others,Interacting with Others – Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates,Interacting with Others – Developing and Building Teams,Interacting with Others – Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships,Interacting with Others – Innovation Management,Interacting with Others – Performance Management (Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates)
Work Context (Person-Job/Team/Org Fit):
Interpersonal Relationships – Coordinate or Lead Others,Interpersonal Relationships – Face-to-Face Discussions,Interpersonal Relationships – Interacting with Upper Management,Interpersonal Relationships – Public Speaking/Presentation,Interpersonal Relationships – Relationship With Subordinates,Interpersonal Relationships – Relationship With Supervisor
Work Style (Person-Job Fit):
What to look for in an answer:
Look out for leadership skills, ability to define, communication skills, and reasoning skills.
Red Flags to Watch For:
If the interviewee has unclear reasoning, poor definition of leadership, or cannot show they are a leader.
Sample Answer:
The interviewee should define leadership, provide a trait, and justify reasons for this trait.
Question Source:
original