Do you think a leader should be feared or liked? Job Interview Question and Answer!

Do you think a leader should be feared or liked?

This is a common job interview question that is asked by the recruiters, try answering this question in the following manner:

The question of whether a leader should be feared or liked is a common one in job interviews, and it is a challenging question to answer. The answer to this question is not straightforward, and it can depend on various factors. However, the most successful leaders are the ones who are both respected and admired by their followers. In this essay, I will discuss the reasons why I believe a leader should not be feared or liked but instead respected and admired.

Firstly, a leader who is feared may be effective in the short term but not in the long term. Employees who fear their leader may do what they are told out of fear of punishment, but this approach does not encourage creativity or teamwork. When people are afraid, they tend to avoid taking risks and making mistakes, which can lead to stagnation and a lack of progress. Over time, this approach can lead to employee burnout and high turnover rates, which are not beneficial for the organization.

On the other hand, a leader who is liked may also have trouble achieving long-term success. While a leader who is friendly and easy to get along with may be popular with employees, they may not always make the tough decisions necessary to move the company forward. Liked leaders may struggle with disciplining employees who are underperforming or making unpopular decisions, which can harm the company’s overall performance.

Therefore, the most effective leaders are those who are respected and admired by their followers. A leader who is respected is someone who has the trust of their employees and has earned that trust through their actions. They are honest, transparent, and consistent in their behavior, which allows employees to understand what is expected of them. This approach encourages employees to take responsibility for their work, be creative, and take risks. A respected leader is also someone who takes the time to understand their employees’ needs and concerns and works to address them.

Similarly, a leader who is admired inspires their followers to strive for excellence. They lead by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a commitment to the organization’s goals. They encourage their employees to develop their skills and talents and provide them with opportunities for growth and development. Admired leaders also recognize the contributions of their employees and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.

In conclusion, the best leaders are those who are respected and admired by their followers. While being feared or liked may be effective in the short term, these approaches are not sustainable in the long run. Respected and admired leaders are honest, transparent, consistent, and inspire their followers to strive for excellence. By adopting these qualities, leaders can create a positive work environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and growth, which ultimately benefits the organization as a whole.