Job interviews are like spotlight moments — they give you the chance to show who you are and what you bring to the table. But when the interviewer hits you with, “Are you a leader or a follower?”, it can feel like a trick question. Don’t worry — it’s not. This question gives you the perfect chance to showcase your versatility, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving mindset. So, how do you answer it like a pro? Let’s break it down.
Why Employers Ask If You’re a Leader or a Follower
At its core, this question helps employers understand how you operate within a team. Are you someone who steps up to take charge? Or do you thrive when given direction?
The truth is, most employers aren’t looking for just one or the other. They want team players who know when to lead and when to follow. They want people who are adaptable, collaborative, and ready to contribute however the situation demands.
It’s not about choosing sides — it’s about showing that you’ve got the flexibility and awareness to lead when needed and support when it matters most.
How to Craft the Perfect Answer
When preparing your response, think of it as telling a short story with a point. You want to blend confidence, humility, and relevance. Here’s how to build a strong, memorable answer that fits the job you’re applying for.
Start by Reflecting on Past Experiences
Think about moments from your work, school, or even volunteer life. When did you lead something — big or small? When did you support a leader to help a project succeed? If you’ve done both, great. If your experience leans more heavily one way, that’s okay too. Just be honest and self-aware.
Video : Leadership Test: Are you a Leader or Follower?
Pick an Example That Shows Balance
Choose a situation where your ability to lead or follow led to a positive outcome. Maybe you led a small team to finish a tight-deadline project. Or maybe you followed instructions from your supervisor but offered helpful feedback that improved the result. You want to highlight your strengths while showing you understand your role in a bigger team effort.
Explain How You See Yourself
Are you more naturally a leader who motivates others and keeps projects on track? Or are you a dependable follower who listens closely and executes flawlessly? Maybe you see yourself as both — and you adapt based on the situation. Whatever your perspective is, own it, and back it up with a real-world example.
Use the STAR Method to Tell Your Story
The STAR method helps you structure your answer clearly and effectively:
- Situation: What was going on?
- Task: What needed to be done?
- Action: What did you do?
- Result: What happened because of your actions?
This formula keeps your answer focused and impactful.
Sample Answers for “Are You a Leader or a Follower?”
Here are three strong examples based on different personality types and experience levels:
Example 1: Leader Approach
“I consider myself a natural leader. I enjoy helping others grow and creating structure when things feel chaotic. For example, at my last job in a marketing firm, we took on a new client in the healthcare sector, which was unfamiliar territory for us. I worked with a junior designer who had previously done healthcare marketing, so I asked her to co-lead the project with me. I took care of the tech side while she handled messaging and branding nuances. The result? One of our smoothest and most successful launches, and we even signed three new medical clients afterward.”
Example 2: Follower with Leadership Potential
“Right now, I see myself more as a follower, especially since I’m early in my career. I like being part of a team and doing my part well. That said, I’m actively working on developing my leadership skills. For instance, in retail, we often get new seasonal products. Some of the new hires were struggling to memorize features, so I created a quick-reference chart to help them. I also offered to answer questions on the floor. It wasn’t official leadership, but it helped the team — and we sold out of the holiday line a week early.”
Example 3: Balanced Leader and Follower
“I believe I’m both a leader and a follower, depending on what the situation calls for. In my current HR role, our president assigned our team two projects: update the employee handbook and launch a new benefits plan. I’m more experienced with benefits, so I took the lead on that while my colleague focused on the handbook. I updated the manager weekly and gave input on the handbook too. Both projects were finished two weeks ahead of schedule. Knowing when to lead and when to support made all the difference.”
Video : Are you a leader or a follower?
Tips to Nail Your Answer
- Be confident but not arrogant. You want to show that you know yourself without sounding like you think you’re better than everyone else.
- Be specific. Vague answers don’t leave an impression. Real-life examples are what stick.
- Stay relevant to the job. If you’re applying for a leadership role, emphasize your leadership. If it’s a support role, show your reliability and team spirit.
- Demonstrate flexibility. Companies love team players who can wear different hats when needed.
- Practice ahead of time. Rehearse your answer aloud, or record yourself. Make sure it sounds natural and not like a memorized script.
Conclusion: Balance Is the Key to a Strong Answer
Whether you see yourself as a leader, a follower, or a little of both, your goal is to show that you’re a thoughtful, flexible, and valuable team member. Employers don’t just want someone who calls the shots or follows orders — they want someone who knows when to do each.
So next time you face this question in an interview, smile, take a breath, and tell your story with confidence. Show them you’re not just a title — you’re a team player who gets results.
Now, go ace that interview.
