When you joined Gregory’s Consulting two years ago, you were required to participate in an intensive interview process. After going through preliminary interviews with individuals of the same rank/title and a manager-level person in your division, you met with the Consulting division Director. Everyone you met thus far from the organization seemed smart, outgoing, and friendly.
Apparently, the interview process had gone well, as you were then scheduled to meet with company executives and officers. You first meet the VP of Customer Service, then the CFO, and finally the CEO of Gregory’s Consulting. The VP of Customer Service seemed highly meticulous in her interview questions, asking for detail behind every answer. She posed scenario questions to you regarding situations in which she was involved with tasks assigned daily.
Then you met with the CFO. He graduated from one of the nation’s military academies (it was apparent from the office decorations and diplomas). His questions carried implications regarding your self-organization. Do you make daily lists? How do you prioritize your lists? How do you keep your calendar? He even asked to see your daily planner.
Finally, it was time to meet with the CEO. After the interviews with the VP and the CFO, you could only imagine what you were getting into with the company’s top leader. When you sat down with the person who had built this incredible company, imagine your surprise when he turned out to be the most pleasant, genuine, thoughtful, and enthusiastic individual you had ever met. He explained that his job as CEO ensured every employee had what they needed to succeed. He told you he would work for you if you were hired. You could not sign up fast enough to join his company!
YOUR TASK
PART I
What a variety of leadership styles, roles, and traits—and all in one interview process!
Discuss the interviewer you think you would work best with.
Explain why you prefer the leadership styles, roles, and traits the interviewer demonstrated.
PART II
Describe the combination of leadership style, role, and trait that would be best for the following business situations:
A company with routine and unskilled job functions.
A company with dangerous job functions (toxic waste handling or heavy equipment operation).
A company preparing to disrupt an existing market with ground-breaking technology.
A company preparing for an IPO.
Explain your thoughts for each situation.
