How to Answer, “How do you like to be managed?” in an Interview

“How do you like to be managed?” can feel like a delicate job interview question to answer. To the uninitiated, it can almost seem like you're being asked to correctly guess how the company prefers to manage employees or risk losing the opportunity.

In reality, it makes for a golden opportunity to communicate exactly the way you want to be treated at work. Take it! Here's how.

Prepare by identifying your favorite management styles

You've probably had a few managers and found you liked working for some more than others. Ask yourself why and see what trends emerge. Can the concepts be generalized? How did these approaches affect your work? As much as possible, try to hone in on patterns that you can identify and relate to rather than individual events or people.

It's also a good idea to read up on different management styles and their names. While no such list is all-encompassing, categories like these can help you identify overall systems and their purposes, get a clearer focus on the styles that work for you, and speak about them in an informed and confident manner.

State your preferences positively, not negatively

As you communicate your findings, be sure to do so positively. In other words, relate your information in terms of the qualities you do like, not in terms of what you don't.

Interview questions like this one are a chance to hand them the blueprint of your perfect relationship with management – a huge component of the great working situation you're hoping for. They're asking how to make an environment that you'll enjoy and thrive in, so let them know.

Resist the temptation to talk too about what you don't like, or negative experiences with management from the past. This often causes a candidate to look embittered – someone who wouldn't like any work arrangement.

This doesn't mean you have to pretend to like everything or try to portray yourself as someone who's always happy. You can still communicate your dislikes by talking about your preferences for the opposite.

For example, if you feel left hung out to dry by bosses who are too hands-off, say that you like bosses who make regular check-ins. Or if the opposite is true and you find regular guidance annoying, speak about your appreciation of bosses who give you autonomy and clear the runway for you to focus once tasks have been assigned.

By communicating in positive terms, you give those who ask for your input the chance to create a win, and not just avoid a loss. This is not only more persuasive but also shows that you're a person who can be pleased.

Explain how your favorite approach benefits your work

Smart businesses understand the value of good morale, which is what makes the question such a good sign in the first place. Research has shown that when employees are happy, they do a better job.

Even so, consider not only how your favorite management methods make you more comfortable, but also how they help you do better work and be prepared to share. This will encourage the organization to put your ideals into action not only to be friendly but to get the most out of your services for the benefit of the business. It also helps ensure against losing leverage in the negotiation – it shows that treating you right isn't some perk that could be used to offset other benefits, but an investment that pays dividends.

Remember your answers as the working arrangement progresses

Remember what you shared regarding how you like to be managed as you progress through the hiring process and hopefully into negotiations and into a job. Especially because it was shared in positive terms, in response to an invitation, and before any particular situation could come up, it serves to establish a practical and impartial baseline for how you'd like to be treated. These qualities make that conversation a great touchstone to refer back to going forward as you continue to advocate for the environment and direction you'd like to take your career.