11 Interview Questions to Ask to Understand a Company’s Management Style
In the quest to uncover the intricacies of a company’s management style, we’ve compiled eleven insightful questions from CEOs, Directors, and other top executives. From assessing feedback mechanisms to gauging communication frequency and style, these leaders provide a roadmap to understanding the inner workings of management during your next interview.
- Assess Feedback Mechanisms
- Inquire About Leadership Adaptability
- Explore Decision-Making Processes
- Probe Cross-Departmental Project Management
- Ask About Employee-Driven Initiatives
- Evaluate Focus on Individual vs. Collaborative Efforts
- Understand Conflict Resolution Approaches
- Determine Important Qualities for Success
- Learn How Management Supports Sales Goals
- Discover Expectations and Feedback Delivery
- Gauge Communication Frequency and Style
Assess Feedback Mechanisms
What are the feedback mechanisms within the team? I’ve always liked this one because it can do one of three things. First, if the person you’re speaking to looks at you blankly for a second, it likely means that they aren’t big fans of feedback. I’d take that as a red flag, as good and honest feedback is the backbone of a good team, in my experience. Second, if they rattle off something that sounds like HR speak, then you likely know that they do a formal process for feedback that may or may not be effective but is likely not that highly valued in the grand scheme of things. Third, if they take the time to go into something in-depth and it sounds relatively unpolished, then odds are they do have feedback sessions, and they are something that they put some stock into.
Dragos Badea, CEO, Yarooms
Inquire About Leadership Adaptability
To find out more about the company’s management style in your interview, ask the interviewer to describe their leadership style. Management can significantly affect employee satisfaction and retention in the workplace. While their leadership style may not line up with your expectations initially, if they show a willingness to be adaptable, it could make you feel more comfortable accepting an offer for the role.
David Alford, Vice President, Bristol Associates, Inc.
Explore Decision-Making Processes
When diving into an interview, one question that often gives me a good sense of a company’s management style is asking about decision-making processes for new initiatives or projects. It’s not just about how decisions are made, but who’s involved, how ideas are pitched, and the overall speed at which things move from concept to action. This question not only sheds light on the hierarchical structure and communication channels within the organization but also gives clues about their adaptability and openness to innovation. Plus, it’s a great way to gauge if they’ll be open to my idea of introducing ‘Taco Tuesdays’ in the break room—I mean, if they can make quick decisions on tacos, they must be pretty agile, right?
Josh Burris, CEO, STNDRD
Probe Cross-Departmental Project Management
Ask, “Can you describe a recent project that required cross-departmental collaboration? How was it managed, and what was the outcome?” This question reveals how management coordinates efforts across teams, handles communication, and resolves challenges. For instance, when I asked this during an interview, I learned that the company valued collaborative problem-solving and maintained open lines of communication, which aligned with my preferred working style and gave me confidence in their management approach.
Alex Stasiak, CEO & Founder, Startup House
Ask About Employee-Driven Initiatives
Working closely with our HR team, I typically participate in the final rounds of interviews to ensure that our leadership principles are communicated clearly and to assess how well candidates align with our values. Here, I’ll share an insightful question that can reveal much about a company’s management style, based on my experiences and the practices we’ve honed at our company.
To delve into the company’s approach to innovation and employee input, you might ask, “Can you give an example of a recent project or initiative that originated from an employee’s suggestion?” This question is powerful because it highlights whether the management is approachable and receptive to ideas from all levels of the organization. It also sheds light on the company’s stance on innovation—whether it’s top-down or inclusive. At our company, we thrive on grassroots innovation, and knowing that potential leaders encourage this is crucial for us.
Alari Aho, CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Evaluate Focus on Individual vs. Collaborative Efforts
Fact is, the company an individual works for is far more than just the place where they earn their basic source of income. By far the most pointed lessons I have learned when it comes to ensuring my mental well-being, and guaranteeing the presence of satisfaction and fulfillment in my work life, is that besides ensuring that my values and goals are well-aligned with the company I work for, ensuring that the company’s management style is conducive should be something else I should also consider, because it hints at the conditions I would be required to work under.
That said, when the goal is to ascertain whether or not working for a company is the next right step to take for your career, one question I would recommend asking in order to gather information about a company’s management style during an interview is, “Does the company focus more on individual or collaborative efforts?” Getting the answer to this question helps you know what to expect, and helps inform your decision on whether or not the company’s management approach is such that would be mutually beneficial both for your career goals as an individual, as well as conducive enough for you to stay productively efficient, if you should decide to commit to the company.
This question is also important because, for instance, if you have grown accustomed to working as and in a team, chances are that your productivity level would be negatively affected if your new employer expects you to work independent of the collaborative support you have become all too familiar with.
Cajetan Okwor, General Manager, Topratedlaw
Understand Conflict Resolution Approaches
How does the management team handle conflicts and challenges within the team, and can you provide an example of a recent challenge and the approach taken to resolve it?
Understanding how management handles conflicts and issues is critical when judging the work environment. This question indicates the problem-solving techniques and conflict-resolution systems in place. Requesting a specific example allows you to assess the effectiveness and fairness of different approaches. Consider whether management encourages open communication, mediation, and constructive feedback as part of their conflict resolution plan. A management team that addresses difficulties in an open and inclusive manner is more likely to build a healthy and resilient workplace culture. This information will assist you in determining whether the company’s approach to conflict is consistent with your choice of a supportive and problem-solving environment.
Timothy Allen, Director, Oberheiden P.C.
Determine Important Qualities for Success
Asking, “What qualities do you think are most important for someone to succeed under this management style?” is an astute question for a business professional because it provides a dual perspective on both the management’s expectations and the organizational culture. This question prompts the interviewer to outline specific traits and behaviors that are valued and rewarded within the company, offering insight into the day-to-day operational dynamics and the soft skills that are essential for thriving in that environment. It helps the candidate discern whether their personal attributes and work style align with what the company prioritizes, ensuring a better fit and increased chances of success.
This question also indirectly reveals the management’s philosophy and approach to leadership. For example, if the answer emphasizes qualities such as independence and initiative, it suggests a more hands-off management style that values autonomy. Conversely, if it highlights traits like adaptability and teamwork, it indicates a collaborative and supportive environment. Understanding these nuances enables the candidate to make a more informed decision about whether the company’s management style complements their professional strengths and career aspirations.
Wayne Mills, Head of Operations, Seven Seas Worldwide
Learn How Management Supports Sales Goals
It is pivotal to understand if the company’s managerial directions align with the strategic goals it has. A question like, “How does the management team support and motivate the sales department to achieve its targets?” is an ideal approach.
This sheds light on the company’s approach to leadership, the tools and resources it provides, and its commitment to employee development. It helps you understand if the management fosters a collaborative environment, encourages innovation, and recognizes achievements.
Additionally, it reveals whether they offer training, mentorship, and incentives to drive performance. By asking this, you can assess if the company’s management style aligns with your work ethic and if they have a supportive infrastructure to help you excel in your sales role.
Discover Expectations and Feedback Delivery
“How will I know I am doing a good job?”
Asking the interviewer how you will know that you are doing well in your new position can give you some valuable insight into how expectations are communicated and how feedback is delivered in the company. The answer to this question can tell you a great deal about the company’s management style, including what the interactions with team members look like, how projects are planned, how work is delegated, and what the communication style is. Asking this question also has another additional advantage: It gives you an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are serious about bringing value to your new employer and are willing to learn how to deliver the best results specifically to the team you will be joining.
Maja Kowalska, Community Manager, Zety
Gauge Communication Frequency and Style
To gather information about the company’s management style during an interview, ask, “How often do you check in with your team, either individually or as a department?” This question provides insight into the frequency and style of communication within the company. For example, if the manager mentions weekly one-on-one meetings and regular team huddles, it suggests a proactive and supportive environment. Conversely, irregular check-ins could indicate a more hands-off approach. Understanding this dynamic helps you gauge if the management style aligns with your working preferences.
Ace Zhuo, Business Development Director (Sales and Marketing), Tech & Finance Expert, TradingFXVPS
