
You delegate work to the most qualified individuals and check the results.

Delegativeĭelegative managers predominantly assign tasks. Leaders focus on grand ideas, pushing teams to think out of the box and develop new strategies to meet goals. Transformational management prioritized innovation and employee development. Employees receive punishment for poor performance and rewards for outstanding results. It can involve collaboration, but the most distinguishing factor is the use of consequences and rewards. Transactional management takes elements of authoritative management. The influence of trusted employees can sway decision-making, creating an unofficial hierarchy within teams. This management style is about building relationships with key team members. This style involves trust, independent work, and more employee freedom. Managers provide the necessary resources to complete projects, but how employees work is up to them. Laissez-faire management is more hands-off. This style often includes regular meetings and is common with highly specialized fields. Team members provide input, but the final decision is up to the manager. With consultative management, the goal is to hear from everyone before making a decision. This style fosters engagement and ongoing collaboration. Managers then make decisions based on the majority. Team members have the opportunity to discuss ideas and raise concerns. CollaborativeĪ collaborative management style takes things further than democratic management. Managers encourage feedback and take team input into account, inviting everyone to participate in the process.

Democraticĭemocratic management is the opposite management style of authoritative. Managers who use this style track work progress and provide consequences when performance suffers. With this style, you’re upfront about objectives, telling your team what you need and how you want results. Authoritative or DirectĪuthoritative or direct management involves setting expectations. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common management styles. The best way to develop an answer to this interview question is by familiarizing yourself with the most common styles, and identifying the ones that apply most to your work experience. There are many management styles, and you might lean heavily into one without realizing it. Ultimately, this interview question highlights what leadership qualities you bring to the table, how you prefer to work, and what you can contribute to ensure that the company runs like a well-oiled machine. Hiring managers usually prefer to take a chance on candidates who have experience in multiple management styles or those who are flexible enough to mold to the organization’s needs. Management styles aren’t black and white, and you may have to adapt to new methods.

Secondly, interviewers are looking for flexibility. Your experience in management matters and interviewers will use your response to gauge whether you’re a good fit for the company. Meanwhile, others can benefit from more coaching from supervisors. Some departments require more trust and a hands-off management approach. When an interviewer asks you to describe your management style, they’re looking for a couple of different things.įirst, they want to know if your management style matches the current work environment and the company’s needs. While there’s no inherently incorrect management style, some are better suited for specific teams than others. Every leader has different philosophies and techniques. Interviewers use this question to understand your management style and what methods you use to lead a team to success. A good manager can lead to substantial improvements all around, and hiring decision-makers want to ensure they choose the right person. They’re leaders to other employees, oversee mission-critical projects, and report to higher-ups to ensure that company objectives are met. After all, managers play a significant role in every organization.

Hands off manager how to#
How to Answer “What is Your Management Style?”.
