Interview Question: Should Managers Be Feared or Loved?
The questions asked during an interview can come in different forms; while some are behavioral questions, others are questions related to your qualifications and experience. Also, recruiters ask easy and challenging questions, as well as brain-teasing questions and oddball ones. However, hiring managers and interviewers tend to ask tricky questions as well; a good example of such a question is- should managers be feared or loved? This question can come in different ways such as how should managers lead their unit? What are the best and the most effective management and leadership styles? What kind of approach should a manager adopt to successfully lead their team? Regardless of how the question is asked, the interviewer wants to know and see how creative job seekers can be.
Answering tricky questions can be exhausting; you should try and tread lightly and carefully. Some experts have suggested that questions like- should a manager be feared or loved gives you the opportunity to technically dodge the question and provide a more diplomatic response or answer instead. Therefore, it is important to review and have a look at the organization’s mission and vision statement, values, goals, and ethics before going for the interview. This will help you to develop and come up with an answer that is truthful and in sync with how the company operates.
Additionally, trick questions don’t have the right answer based on the options given. Hence, the onus is on you to develop a more convincing and ideal answer. Arguably, the hiring manager is interested in finding out your preferred style of leadership and your poise or ability to wriggle and navigate your way out of a tricky question. Relatively, the interviewer or employer expects you to choose another adjective as long as you acknowledge the original way and manner in which the question was framed. Thus, the best way to answer this interview question will be-I would rather be respected. By providing the aforementioned answer, you managed to not deviate or move away from the subject matter. Instead, you gave an answer that covered every aspect of the question. Remember, one of the ultimate goals of leadership is respect; no manager should be contented when they are not respected. In this article, the reasons why hiring managers ask this question will be discussed. In addition, crucial tips on how to answer the question will be provided as well as a sample answer.
Reasons Why Hiring Managers Ask the Question- Should Managers be Feared or Loved?
The question is asked for a myriad of reasons;
- The interviewer wants to gauge how employees view their supervisors.
- In relation, the employer is interested in knowing the type of work environment that you best respond to.
- Also, hiring managers want to see how you will fit into their leadership or management team.
The Best Option to Choose
It is difficult to favor a feared manager or a loved manager over the other. Trick interview questions give you two options that are not ideal. While a feared manager can be harsh, frightening, antagonistic, and gives bad morale, a loved manager might be too nice that they become pushovers and ignore or overlook poor employee performances. Going by the malady above, it is best to choose the secret and silent third option- a leader should be respected. The managers who are respected have an idea of when to be stern or harsh but can also relate to their members of staff. Also, respected leaders tend to provide a safe, supportive, ambient, and conducive working environment. Crucially, it is important to note that organizations are looking for individuals who can recognize the aforementioned difference because they may become strong candidates for promotion later on.
Things to Consider on How to Respond to the Question- Should Managers be Feared or Loved?
Although the question is tricky, there are tips to keep in mind when answering the question;
- Focus on a manager who takes a balanced approach between being feared and loved.
- Your response should be positive and straight to the point.
- Draw on past experiences from a manager you respected.
- Review the organization’s mission statement and goals to create an answer that is truthful and aligns with the organization.
Focus on a manager who takes a balanced approach between being feared and loved: As a job candidate facing an interviewer, your answer to the question should be a smart one. You should try to strike a balance between being feared and loved. Your focus should be on that manager who will stand in the middle of being harsh and easygoing. A manager that strikes a balance between being feared and loved will arguably get the best out of the workforce or employees. Although both styles of leadership appear intriguing, don’t be tempted to choose one side over the other. A feared manager might be able to get the job done faster, but at what cost? On the other hand, a loved manager might be too nice to get the job done on time. Hence, the need to focus on the manager that lies in-between.
Your response should be positive and straight to the point: Job seekers who beat around the bush during interviews often miss out on the job. Most hiring managers prefer candidates who stick to the subject matter instead of mere noisemakers. Also, your answer to the question should be positive. For the umpteenth time, employers and organizations value positivity among job seekers. Even if you do not know how to respond to the question, keep your answer positive; the positivity you display might impress the interviewer to consider you. Similarly, you should try and be as objective as possible. Make sure that you emphasize why a respected manager is a better option than a feared or loved manager.
Draw on past experiences from a manager you respected: Again the benefits, advantages, and importance of highlighting past experiences during a job interview cannot be overemphasized; most employers and hiring managers are looking for candidates who have experienced one thing or the other in the work sector. With regards to this question, try and relate an experience you had with a manager you respected when answering. This will help to justify your response to the question. Importantly, you should try and include examples in your response. Even if you are a fresh graduate, you should refer to a manager or supervisor you respected whilst in high school or college for example.
Review the organization’s mission statement and goals to create an answer that is truthful and aligns with the organization: Every company or business entity has goals and a mission statement. Therefore, go through the company’s mission statement beforehand; it will help you to coin your response in a manner that aligns with or is in cohesion with the company’s goals. Remember, you are applying to the company for a role or position. Your response should always be in sync with what the organization stands for.
What You Shouldn’t Say When Answering the Question
It is important to refrain from speaking poorly or badly of a manager or supervisor from a previous job; it doesn’t bode well. In addition, don’t choose sides. Avoid saying that you think managers should only be feared or loved.
Sample Answer to the Question
The emergency department can become hectic quickly. Being disorganized as a team can affect the patients. Therefore, a manager should strive to run an organized environment while ensuring they do not demand or undervalue their team members. Ultimately, I respect managers and supervisors who can support their staff while being fair and understanding.