When you’re considering a new job, it’s natural to focus on salary, benefits, and the role itself. But there’s another crucial factor that often gets overlooked: the leadership style of your potential boss. The way your boss leads their team can have a profound impact on your job satisfaction, productivity, and long-term success. Before accepting any offer, it’s vital to assess whether their leadership style aligns with how you like to work.
Why Leadership Style Matters
The relationship you have with your manager can make or break your work experience. Data from the “What’s Your Leadership Style?” test shows that employees who like their leader’s style are 36% more likely to love their job. On the flip side, a leadership style mismatch can lead to frustration, disengagement, and even cause you to leave the company prematurely.
Think of it this way: Your boss sets the tone for your work environment, including how decisions are made, how much autonomy you’re given, and even how mistakes are handled. Finding alignment between your work preferences and their leadership style is key to thriving in the role.
Two Common Leadership Styles and What to Look For
Different leaders have different approaches, and understanding these differences can help you assess your potential fit. Here are two common leadership styles you might encounter and some key indicators to look out for during the interview process:
The Steward Leader: Stewards value dependability, consistency, and teamwork. They thrive on rules and processes and expect the same from their team. If you enjoy structure, clear guidelines, and working within established systems, you’ll likely do well under this type of leader. But if you prefer autonomy and flexibility, you might find yourself feeling restricted.
The Idealist Leader: Idealists are high-energy, creative, and democratic. They push for growth and innovation and believe in the potential of everyone around them. If you like a dynamic environment where new ideas are encouraged and personal growth is prioritized, you’ll likely mesh well with an Idealist. However, if you prefer clear direction and stability, you might feel overwhelmed.
How to Spot a Leadership Style in the Interview
You might not get an explicit explanation of your potential boss’s leadership style during the interview process, but there are ways to assess it based on how they respond to questions and interact with you.
Start by asking direct questions such as, “How do you react when someone on your team makes a mistake?” or “What do you expect from your team members on a daily basis?” Listen closely for answers that reveal their values. For instance, if they focus on processes, rules, and teamwork, you might be dealing with a Steward leader. If they talk about personal development, creativity, and collaboration, you might be looking at an Idealist.
Additionally, pay attention to the company’s culture, as leadership styles often reflect broader organizational values. A company that promotes stability and structure is likely to have leaders who are Stewards. Conversely, companies that emphasize innovation and rapid growth may have more Idealist leaders.
Watch for Red Flags in Their Responses
Just as you’re assessing a company’s culture and a manager’s leadership style, be on the lookout for red flags in their answers. For example, if they downplay the importance of feedback, that might signal that they’re not invested in helping their employees grow; a bad sign if you’re looking for development opportunities. If they seem to micromanage or demand rigid adherence to rules, you’ll need to decide if that’s a fit for how you prefer to work.
The Long-Term Impact of Leadership Style on Your Career
Your boss can be instrumental in your career development. A good leader will mentor you, provide feedback, and help you grow professionally. On the other hand, a leadership style that clashes with your working style can lead to constant friction, stalling your progress and making each day more stressful than it needs to be.
Taking the time to assess whether a manager’s style suits you can help you avoid those mismatches. Instead, you’ll position yourself to work under someone who will challenge and inspire you in ways that lead to a more rewarding and productive career.