My Interview with The Offer Letter Podcast: What do You Look for in an Ideal Boss?
I was fortunate enough to recently be a guest on The Offer Letter, a weekly podcast through Bow Valley College’s School of Global Access, which aims to help people improve their interviewing skills. Each episode of this incredibly informative podcast tackles one specific question and breaks it down.
I love The Offer Letter for several reasons.
Recruiting and hiring is one of my favorite topics.
The host is a gem. Michael Manzano is professional and welcoming. He genuinely cares about his guests and conveying valuable information to his audience.
It’s brief! Short and sweet and to the point, at approximately 10 minutes an episode.
When asked to pick one of my favorite interview questions I like to ask, I chose:
“What do you look for in an ideal boss?”
There are five main reasons for asking this question, which I speak to in the podcast. Chiefly, it gives the interviewer a general sense of what the candidate’s vision for leadership is. From the interview:
“The biggest one is to think about it beforehand. What managers have I liked working with in the past and why? You don't need to have this thought process be a dissertation or your answer be the sequel to War and Peace. But if you've got a few ideas in your head, it'll help you formulate an answer…. So things like what traits and characteristics are important to you in a leader, are there any types of communication styles that tend to work well with you, and what are some tactical or practical things that just help you do your job?”
Do you know how you would answer this question? What do you look for in an ideal boss?
Another important angle to consider — do you have the traits and characteristics of what you think an ideal leader should be?
When I’m speaking with new people-managers, I often take them through the quick thought exercise of analyzing what comes to the forefront of their minds when they consider the best boss they’ve ever had. Then I ask them to do the same while considering the worst boss they’ve ever had.
I then hit them with a bit of insight. “Understand that you are that person for someone else right now.”
I inevitably see the lightbulb turn on in their heads as the revelation washes over them. This is also a great reminder for seasoned leaders. Most likely, you weren’t born a VP, you weren’t an automatic CEO right out of college — you climbed your way up to that role, working with a wide variety of managers, all with different leadership styles.
Take inventory of your Rolodex. How are you showing up as a leader for your team?
Bonus “self-interview” question: Would you like working for you?
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About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.