How to Answer: "What Are You Doing to Improve Your Leadership Skills?"

 This question aims to assess your commitment to personal growth, especially in the area of leadership. Leadership is a dynamic skill set that requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to seek new perspectives. By asking this question, the interviewer is looking for evidence that you actively invest in improving your ability to lead and inspire others, whether through self-reflection, formal education, or practical experience.

Why This Question Is Important

Employers want to hire leaders who are proactive about their development and who can inspire teams, improve team performance, and align team goals with organizational objectives. The answer demonstrates your initiative and how you take ownership of your growth and development as a leader. It also shows that you understand leadership is not a static skill, but one that requires constant refinement.

Step 1: Show Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth

Start by acknowledging that leadership is a skill that requires continuous learning and improvement. Make it clear that you take your role as a leader seriously and are committed to improving your ability to lead others effectively. You should highlight any specific areas of leadership you’re working on, such as communication, decision-making, or emotional intelligence.

For example:

• "I believe leadership is an ongoing journey, and I am always seeking ways to improve. One of the areas I’ve been focusing on recently is emotional intelligence. I’ve been reading books and attending workshops on this topic to enhance my ability to manage my emotions, understand others’ emotions, and respond appropriately in different situations."

Step 2: Mention Specific Learning Resources

Next, provide specific examples of how you’re improving your leadership skills. This could include formal education such as leadership courses, workshops, seminars, or certifications. If you’re self-taught, mention books or podcasts that have influenced your approach.

For example:

• "I have taken leadership development courses online and attended several seminars focused on strategic decision-making and team dynamics. Additionally, I’ve been following leadership experts and podcasts that provide fresh insights into leadership challenges and best practices. I find these resources incredibly valuable in shaping my leadership philosophy."

Step 3: Highlight Mentorship and Networking

One of the most effective ways to improve leadership is through mentorship and networking with other leaders. You might mention how you seek feedback from mentors, coaches, or peers. Networking with other leaders provides insights into how they approach challenges, which can help you refine your own methods.

For example:

• "I also regularly seek feedback from my team and colleagues to identify areas where I can improve. I have a mentor within the company who helps me navigate complex leadership challenges, and I participate in leadership forums where I can connect with other professionals and exchange ideas."

Step 4: Show Practical Experience

Leadership isn’t just about theory; it’s about putting skills into practice. Mention how you apply what you’re learning in real-world scenarios. If you’ve implemented new strategies or led different teams, share specific examples of how those experiences have contributed to your growth as a leader.

For example:

• "I actively apply what I’ve learned by leading various projects within the company. For instance, I led a cross-functional team to launch a new product, and I worked hard on building trust and collaboration across the team. I learned a lot about balancing different perspectives and motivating diverse individuals to work toward a common goal. This experience has helped me refine my leadership approach and taught me the importance of clear communication and adaptability."

Step 5: Focus on Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills

Effective leadership often goes beyond technical skills and requires a strong emotional intelligence component. Show that you are working on developing your interpersonal and soft skills, which are critical for leading people effectively.

For example:

• "I’ve been focusing on improving my communication and conflict resolution skills. I believe that the ability to listen actively and empathize with others is crucial for a leader. I’ve been practicing these skills through more frequent one-on-one meetings with team members and by encouraging open feedback during team discussions."

Step 6: Show How You’re Applying These Skills to Help Your Team

Leadership is not just about personal growth—it’s about empowering others. Make sure to explain how you’re applying your improved leadership skills to create a positive environment for your team and help them grow as well. This demonstrates that your leadership growth also benefits your team and the organization.

For example:

• "As I develop my leadership skills, I’m more mindful of fostering a collaborative environment for my team. I’ve implemented regular feedback loops and created an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas. I also encourage them to take ownership of their work and provide them with opportunities for professional growth. This has helped improve both team morale and productivity."

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Example Answer

Here’s an example answer incorporating all of the above elements:

"Improving my leadership skills is a priority for me, as I believe it’s essential for driving both my personal growth and the success of my team. One area I’m actively working on is emotional intelligence. I’ve been reading books and attending workshops to better understand how to manage my own emotions and how to respond to the emotions of others in different situations. I find this is particularly important in high-pressure environments.

I’m also committed to continuous learning, so I regularly take leadership courses and attend leadership seminars, which help me stay updated on new leadership techniques and strategies. Additionally, I actively seek feedback from my team and mentor to identify areas where I can improve. I believe that receiving honest feedback is one of the best ways to grow as a leader.

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned recently is the importance of building trust within a team. I applied this by leading a cross-functional team on a major project where we faced tight deadlines. By being transparent, open to feedback, and encouraging collaboration, I helped the team stay motivated and engaged, which led to the successful launch of the product. This experience showed me how critical it is to be adaptable and to maintain clear communication during times of stress.

Overall, I see leadership as a continuous process of learning and growing. I am always looking for ways to improve and ensure that I’m not only growing as a leader but also helping my team grow and succeed alongside me."

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Conclusion

When answering the question "What are you doing to improve your leadership skills?", it’s important to show that you recognize leadership is an evolving skill. Demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning, seeking feedback, and applying new knowledge in practice shows that you’re actively working to grow as a leader. Additionally, emphasizing how your leadership improvements benefit your team and the organization further strengthens your answer. Ultimately, this question is an opportunity to demonstrate your growth mindset and leadership potential.