What management style have you found to be most effective?

The interviewer is evaluating your ability to adapt your management style to different people and circumstances. Describe how you are able to employ different management styles and interpersonal skills to get the best out of the situation. Give reasons why you use a particular management style in a certain situation and why it works. For example:
"I find that it is not effective to use only one type of management style, I have to adapt according to the individual I am dealing with and the situation. For example with inexperienced employees I use a management style that involves a high level of task instruction and close supervision. I find this effective because the employee needs to be secure that they know exactly what to do and how to do it. They also require constant support to build their confidence. For a more experienced employee who is comfortable with the work, I delegate the task and expect them to come to me for help if they need it. This demonstrates my trust in their ability to do the job on their own."
Work-force diversity has important implications. Managers need to be able to recognize employee differences and respond to those differences in ways that ensure effective working relationships. Management interview questions will include:
What type of people do you work with most effectively?
This is basically asking what type of employees do you get on with and what type of employees do you find it difficult to work with.

This is an important question because it again evaluates the flexibility of your management style. Are you able to communicate and interact effectively with a variety of individuals? Are you able to establish good working relationships with a diverse group of employees?
"I work well with people who are hardworking, competent and confident of their abilities. Obviously I have had to manage people who do not fall into this category. When this happens I set myself the challenge of developing the employee and helping them to use their skills to their fullest potential. My goal is to support them towards competence and confidence through guidance, direction and mentoring."
What aspect of your management style would you like to change?
No-one is the perfect manager so denying that you have any areas for improvement shows a lack of self-awareness and insight. Focus on an aspect of your management style that you're working to improve. Describe the steps you're taking and give evidence on your progress.
"I have been trying not to give my employees the answers when they ask for help with a problem. They need to learn how to come up with the solutions themselves and I need to guide and facilitate this process. I have read up on how to do this and have put these facilitation skills into practice.For example, I allocate however much time is needed to sit down with the employee and work through the problem. We discuss it, I give my view of the situation and then ask the employee to go away and think about the best solution."

The manager's relationship with his or her employees is determined by the management style employed. This relationship, because of the current economic downturn and downsizing, is more vulnerable than ever before. Expect tough management interview questions that explore your ability to handle diverse employees and changing work situations. Prepare insightful interview answers that highlight your ability to effectively do this.