Time to Turn the Tables

3 Questions from an employee to the Leader...

What is your leadership style and which leadership skills do you value the most?

There are many leadership styles that suit various workplaces with different teams. I would ask this question to know the leadership style my leader/manager follows or the one which best describes him/ her. As we all know, leadership is the key to success. Understanding the leadership style helps guide in the role as a leader which will further help in becoming a better communicator with those who are leading. Speaking about leadership skills, they are crucial in every career however, certain skills are just better than others. Some of them which come to my mind are team building, decision-making, problem-solving, etc. This is an important question to ask to get the essence of the leadership styles the leader expects from me for future references because a good leader is able to bring out the best abilities in his/her team members and motivate them to work together in achieving a shared goal.

Have you ever faced a leadership challenge? How did you overcome it?

No one becomes a leader without facing any challenge. This is a situational question that assesses the ability to handle challenges while leading a team. A skilled leader must be able to lead and motivate their people to achieve their goals, regardless of the challenges they face. It feels good to overcome challenges as they are necessary for growth. With the correct amount of challenge and stimulation, one will thrive. Even overcoming difficulties that arise from unforeseen stressful situations can provide a sense of satisfaction and joy. I would ask this question to understand the importance of overcoming any challenge in life and a fresh and different perspective on obstacles. This would also help me streamline my approach for future difficulties and will better prepare me for any contingent circumstances.

How has the company culture changed as a result of the pandemic and to help employees connect virtually, especially for new hires?

I would want to know how a company's culture helps them react and adapt to change when you're looking for a job. Inquire with the recruiting manager or a leader about the company's efforts to assist employees bond while working from home, as well as how the company's culture was maintained (or transformed) in the virtual world. As a new employee, networking with coworkers can help you develop soft skills, learn about other departments that interest you, strengthen team connections and trust, and learn from senior employees about how to succeed in and out of the office. “Change is a constant,” Wessel explained, so I would want to know how the potential employer/ leader handles change and uncertainty.