This is an essential question for employers to ask when interviewing candidates for managerial and other positions where strong leadership skills are required. How an applicant answers can give insight into how they would use positive reinforcement to manage a team. What to look for in an answer:

• Positive outlook on life
• Clear demonstration of strong leadership skills
• Active listening

Staying motivated in uncertain times, such as when sales are low or potential layoffs are looming, is an important quality for leaders to possess. How the interviewee answers this question can give employers an idea of how they may manage their team when the going gets tough. What to look for in an answer:

• A sense that the applicant is adaptable in uncertain times
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem-solving skills

When interviewing someone for a leadership position such as management, it's important for employers to get a good idea of how the candidate would oversee a team if hired. The answer to this question can help an employer gauge if the applicant's process would work well in the current work environment. What to look for in an answer:

• Organizational skills
• A sense that the applicant communicates well with others
• Strong work ethic

Inquiring about how past colleagues would describe a potential hire can help employers learn about the candidate's personality and how they get along with others. Employers should look for honest answers and take note if the interviewee paints themselves in an unrealistically positive light. What to look for in an answer:

• Honest assessment of themselves
• A sense that the applicant gets along well with others
• Positive mindset

How a candidate answers this question can give an employer insight into the expectations they may have for their team if hired for the position. Additionally, people often possess the same qualities they look for in others, so this question can also help an employer gauge some of the applicant's personality traits. What to look for in an answer:

• Desire to do what's best for the company
• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership skills
• Critical thinking skills

This is a good question to ask managerial candidates to learn more about the steps they take to ensure workers manage their time and keep production levels high. While specific answers can vary depending on the work involved, a good response should indicate a balanced and fair approach to monitoring. What to look for in an answer:

• A sense that the applicant takes their position seriously
• Enthusiasm about managing a team
• Ability to demonstrate good time management skills

While no one enjoys being criticized, receiving constructive criticism is common in work environments. Those in leadership positions should be open to constructive criticism and know how to proceed diplomatically in the event of unwarranted criticism. What to look for in an answer:

• Demonstrates an ability to remain flexible
• Active listening skills
• Understanding that everyone makes mistakes

This is an important question for anyone interviewing for a leadership role. How an applicant answers helps employers determine if they're willing to be a team player and take suggestions from colleagues and team members. While managers and supervisors generally oversee team members, it's still important for individuals in these positions to work well with others and collaborate when necessary. What to look for in an answer:

• Enthusiasm about working with others
• Flexibility
• Open to learning new things

How an applicant answers this question can give an employer a good idea of how flexible they are in both daily life and the workplace. Being open to new concepts and suggestions on how to improve current processes is an important quality for individuals in leadership positions. What to look for in an answer:

• Critical thinking skills
• A willingness to think outside of the box
• Good team player mentality

When working as a team leader or in any other leadership position, it's important to acknowledge contributions from staff members at all levels. Whether it's a small suggestion from an entry-level employee that results in a more successful project, or a lucrative sale made by a seasoned employee, these achievements should be recognized. What to look for in an answer:

• A sense that the candidate has a true appreciation for their coworkers
• Clear demonstration of team-building skills
• A willingness to share the spotlight and give credit when deserved