Interviewers will ask you a variety of questions including “Do You Like To Be Liked Or Respected?” in order to figure out what kind of employee you would be if recruited. To learn more about your motives, they can ask you questions like “Would you rather be liked or respected?” This sort of inquiry will also reveal how you connect with coworkers and clients.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this question—and your emphasis may change depending on the circumstances of the potential job—there are some broad principles to keep in mind.
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How To Answer – Do You Like To Be Liked Or Respected?
When recruiting managers ask “Do You Like To Be Liked Or Respected?” they’re attempting to figure out how you feel about your bosses and what type of work environment you thrive in. If you’re interviewing for a management position, the interviewer will most likely want to see how you’ll fit into the company’s leadership team.
How To Answer – “Do You Like To Be Liked Or Respected?”
Questions regarding whether you want a scary or a fun boss are a bit of a ruse because neither choice is optimal. Too pleasant bosses may come across as pushovers who overlook poor employee performance. Harsh supervisors can be terrible for morale and may come off as hostile, while overly friendly bosses can come across as pushovers who overlook poor employee performance.
Instead of going with one of the obvious options, go with the unsaid third option: a boss you respect. A good leader may be firm when necessary, but can also relate to their employees and create a safe, supportive environment. Interviewers are searching for new recruits who can tell the difference since they may be good candidates for promotions in the future.
- Read More: How To Prepare For Your First Job Interview
What To Avoid When You Answer – “Do You Like To Be Liked Or Respected?”
Never tell an interviewer that you greatly desire a boss who is either feared or loved. Explain how a leader who adopts a balanced approach is more effective. You should also refrain from criticizing former employers or adopting a pessimistic attitude in general. Maintain a positive, succinct, and specific tone in your response.
“Do You Like To Be Liked Or Respected?” Sample Answers
Sample answer 1
“Because working in the aviation industry may be stressful and chaotic, our supervisors must keep a close rein on things. When we go behind or become unorganized, it impacts a large number of individuals, and a skilled supervisor can ensure that this does not occur. At the same time, a supervisor who shouts or demeans his or her employees might be discouraging.”
“At the end of the day, I like managers that can lead and encourage their teams while still being fair and empathetic to their workers.”
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Sample answer 2
“One of my new clients expressed worry about the amount of packaging material utilized in the manufacturing process. I took her to a facility where our equipment was in use and showed her how resourcefully it was used. I assisted her in calculating the payback plan for the new equipment, and she was able to create a rationale that her supervisor accepted. Since then, she has sought my guidance several times and has continued to purchase our goods.”
Sample Answer 3
I’d rather be respected on the job. My ability to foresee my customers’ wants and issues, and pitch my products as a means to satisfy those needs and solve those problems, has contributed significantly to my sales success. My customers continue to come back to me for more service once we’ve built respect. Of course, I want my customers to enjoy me as well, so I do little things like bring them their favorite meal or take them out for a round of golf to show them how important our connection is to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you be liked but not respected?
You can be liked, but not respected. But if you’re respected, there are high chances that you’ll be liked.
Is it more important to be liked or to be respected?
It is more valuable to be respected than to be liked. Respect comes naturally from a position of leadership and professionalism.
Conclusion
If a prospective employer asks, “Do You Like To Be Liked Or Respected?” It’s a good idea to take it easy. This is one of the rare occasions when avoiding the question in favor of a more polite response is appropriate. Review the firm’s mission statement or goals before your interview to come up with an honest and accurate response that reflects how the company functions.
If you’re applying for a management or executive position, you should highlight that being regarded is important to you so that your staff would eagerly follow your orders.
It’s worth noting that, although gaining respect from subordinates is essential, so is offering respect. Make sure you acknowledge that professional and personal connections are mutually beneficial.
Secondly, While in positions that need cooperation and collegiality, you might mention your desire to be liked in order to establish a pleasant workgroup.
If you’re applying for a job that requires you to interact with customers frequently and have a pleasant demeanor in order to create rapport or maintain a favorable connection, you should bring up the advantage of being liked in regard to this aspect of your job.
You’ll also need to offer product knowledge and solutions, so you’ll need to treat your clients with respect if you want them to have faith in you.
Lastly, Most interviewers will accept a nuanced response in which you emphasize the importance of both respect and likeability. If pressed, you should be ready to debate the relative importance of one or the other.
The explanation you offer for your responses, as well as how you relate your claims to efficiently carrying out some element of your position, will be the most important aspects of your response.