Question: How did you know you were ready to be a leader?
Answer: Once I joined the Microsoft company, I have seen many people asking me for advice even though I was a newcomer. The first-line managers would often listen to my advice carefully since I was always ready to help them solve the problem. I relate it to my excellent listening skill, which made me realize that I am prepared to manage the crowds and aspire to others to be at the top.
Question: What strengths do you have for being a leader?
Answer: I would say I am a flexible person in all meanings, which enables my team and me to find solutions and make decisions that will be beneficial for our company. Decent communication skill is one of my strengths because it helps me delegate tasks, manage people, and collaborate with a team. I would also add that I have a good conflict resolution and negotiation ability.
Question: What weaknesses do you have as a leader?
Answer: Like many leaders, I have downsides as well. I think my major weakness is that I demand much contact and feedback because I want to make sure its productivity is stable. Even though I may use my phone to ensure the set goals are being met, I would often ask my employees face-to-face. Perhaps, I am too responsible but is that an issue?
Question: Do you have advice for people out there that want to become leaders?
Answer: The central idea of being a leader is to be able to manage people. When I say manage, for the most part, I mean collaborating instead of dominating and pressuring them with the responsibilities and deadlines. If one strives to become a leader, they should demonstrate hard-work and dedication so that others could follow.
Question: Did you have someone that gave you advise before you joined the leadership role? If so what was that advise?
Answer: Once my father gave me advice, I will surely remember for as long as I live: showing respect and genuine interest to your team members guarantees one’s success as a leader. These aspects are vital as people will disregard one as a leader if they have no interest in their team’s activities. If I had not been attentive to my team, we would not have succeeded. People love attention, and if you ask them something, they, in turn, will show you interest and respect.
Question: Have you had any serious issues during your leadership career and were you able to handle it fairly?
Answer: When I just started working for Microsoft, I suppose I lacked clear vision since I was overwhelmed with a new workplace and the brainstorming ideas my mind was producing. The number of goals I set was innumerable; therefore, instead of focusing on one crucial objective, I chose to achieve many at once. Yet, I managed to overcome these issues by counseling with the ex-top manager.
Question: Do you ever want to give up sometimes when things get out of hand?
Answer: Never have I ever thought of giving up on my job, even when there was a complete mess at a workplace. Giving up is too easy, and being persistent and having dedication help me resolve any troubles impeding my goals’ achievement. Hence, I can handle anything by sorting things out.
Question: What keeps you on the right path for keeping you inspired as a leader?
Answer: I always think about the satisfaction I will get once any other goal is achieved. Moreover, I would single out personal development as a critical factor in my profession. I believe that any situation gives me valuable experience, even if I have to deal with severe problems at the end of the day. Finally, I can see how the company’s performance grows, and it keeps me motivated to work even harder.
Question: Do you feel that you have made a difference better than anyone else before you did or do you feel that you have failed more than enough times?
Answer: I never felt like I made a massive difference in the company since the working standards remained the same. However, I can claim that my leadership skills helped me rally truly responsible and vigorous people. Here, I can see the difference because when I just entered Microsoft, managers seemed to be working separately.
Question: Do you feel that communication is important to follow as the lead?
Answer: Each field of activity depends upon proper communication procedures. Only communication can reveal a leader’s authenticity, intentions, and other aspects of their character. Moreover, one has to obtain this skill to ensure the team works according to the plan. It also helps to resolve conflicts, give direction, encourage discussion, and initiate serious conversations.
Question: Is the chain of command important and was it being followed when and during your position as a leader?
Answer: During my first year at Microsoft, I could not develop a set of commands: it was all chaotic for me, so even though my team followed the instructions, we could never finish the task. However, I started planning and developing an action plan that helped me distribute the tasks equally among the team members. This technique is effective when it comes to chain command.
Question: When working with your coworkers, do you feel that you ever had any sort of favoritism towards friends that you manage, or you treat everyone equal?
Answer: I stick to the rule that there should be a barrier between personal and working relationships. Even if I have some friends at work, it does not imply that I treat them with specific privileges. Although we may exchange some friendly talks at a workplace, we never mix them with professional activity. Having an equal attitude towards one’s coworkers is a sign of professionalism.
Question: If you had a chance to become the leader and comfortable in that situation would you consider moving up to a greater position?
Answer: Now I do not need to move to a higher position because I still have some goals to fulfill. Yet, I realize that personal and professional development occurs when one leaves their comfort zone. When I know I accomplished everything at this position, I will undoubtedly move on and set higher goals. A leader normally senses when they reach their peak.
Question: Have you ever been disciplined for not holding accountable any employees?
Answer: Luckily, as far as I can recollect, my team members were never troublesome. Undoubtedly, there were numerous complications related to work, yet our cold-mindedness helped to avoid any conflicts. Therefore, I have never been disciplined for this. What is more, the company hires serious and trustworthy people with a decent working background, so no one wants to break the organization’s rules.
Question: What is the best thing that you recall while being the leader of what this position has brought to you?
Answer: The position of top-manager has brought me many acquaintances, many of whom have become my great friends. Besides, my job helped me to overcome multiple fears and become stronger as a personality. I cannot specify the best memory since there were too many of them. Yet, I would like to state that the best thing so far is the work pace my team and I reached and our connection.