Interviewers want to know what kind of manager or leader the candidate would be in the organization. Candidates should be prepared to talk about their management or leadership approach and the results they have achieved with their staff. Interviewers are trying to determine if there is a good fit with the current leadership in the company or if there is a potential mismatch.
They likely will ask about how one’s style affects direct reports and others in the organization. They can ask these kinds of questions in either a positive way (e.g., how applicants were able to motivate employees), or they can take a negative approach (e.g., how applicants dealt with difficult experiences).
Interviewers also want to know what the candidate has done to successfully hire and motivate staff.
Leadership and management
People who seek managerial roles will be asked questions about what they do to get the best results from people. Senior leaders should also be prepared to talk about how they share their vision with others.
What is your leadership style?
Interviewers want to see if your approach to leading others is a good match for the role and the company.
Translation
I need to know what kind of leader you are so that I can determine whether you’ll fit in with our culture and our people.