Probe
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Interpretive Guide
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Give an example of a time in which you had to be persuasive
in getting your idea across even when the odds were against
you.
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Look for the individual's reliance on persuasive, as opposed
to autocratic, techniques. Consider if there was a plan for
approaching the problem; did the plan show insight with regard
to the motivations and traits of others?
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Briefly review the leadership experience you have had giving
examples that would show what your leadership style is like.
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Consider it the individual uses an autocratic or persuasive
leadership style; also determine if the individual can be
influential without use of power, status or position. Consider
the quality of past leadership accomplishments.
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Give a brief summary of the leadership situations which you
have held. What was your major success and major failure as
a leader?
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Consider level of experience, including depth or variety
of leadership situations, and depth or level of responsibility
in leadership; evaluate the level of effectiveness in these
experiences.
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What do you think are the most important components of a
practical leadership philosophy? Describe how you developed
your philosophy.
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This is a relatively abstract question, but it can be determined
if the individual has, in the past, taken the time to consider
the importance of managerial philosophy. If the individual
can describe a well-thought out belief system, it might be
inferred that a reasonable amount of attention has been given
to the development of a workable leadership style.
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Describe how you delegate responsibility in your current
job.
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Delegation is defined as the assignment of tasks and responsibilities
to subordinates and giving appropriate trust and freedom to
the individual to work to the completion of tasks. Did the
example show a prudent use of delegation?
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Give an example in which you have seen a manager improperly
use authority. How did you react to the situation? How did
you cope with it?
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Observe if the interviewee implies that strong use of authority
in leadership is always desirable; can the individual use
persuasion to influence others?
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Who have you respected for their leadership qualities? What
were these specific qualities? Has there been a time when
you tried to use this style?
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Determine if the individual is aware that leadership qualities
can be learned and used effectively. Was the style effectively
used?
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Which of your strengths contributes most to your leadership
ability? Can you think of a time when, without that strength,
you would have failed as a leader?
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Determine whether the individual appreciates that there are
different styles of leadership. Is there a match between leadership
styles and personal strengths?
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Did you learn anything about leadership from your parents?
When have you applied their lessons?
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Is the individual's current style compatible with parental
upbringing? Did the individual emphasize positive or negative
attitudes toward leadership?
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Have you ever had to take over a leadership role unexpectedly?
How did it work out?
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Observe how the individual met the change. Was the style
of the predecessor adopted? Was the outcome successful?
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Green, Paul, Ph.D. and Dianne D. Horgan, Ph.D., Behavioral Interviewing,
Holiday Inn University, 1982
