This question ‘Are you a leader or a follower?‘ assesses your self-awareness, adaptability, and teamwork style. Employers want to see if you can balance both roles depending on the situation.

Things to Know About ‘Are you a leader or a follower?‘

Key Elements of a Strong Answer

1. Avoid Binary Choices – Don’t label yourself as just one; highlight flexibility.
2. Context Matters – Explain when you lead vs. when you follow.
3. Show Value – Tie both roles to team success.

Example Answers

For Leadership Roles

I’m comfortable in both roles. I step up to lead when my expertise aligns with the goal—like when I organized a cross-functional team to solve [specific problem]. But I also actively support others’ leadership when they have stronger insights, because the best results come from collaboration.

For Individual Contributors

I adapt based on the team’s needs. For example, I took the lead on [project] because of my [skill], but on [other project], I followed a teammate’s direction to leverage their strengths. I believe great teams need both roles to succeed.

For Entry-Level Candidates

Right now, I focus on being a strong follower—learning from leaders and contributing where I can. But I’ve also led small initiatives, like [example], and I’m eager to grow into leadership with experience.

What to Avoid

❌ “I’m only a leader” – Can sound arrogant or inflexible.
❌ “I’m just a follower” – May imply lack of initiative.
❌ No examples – Back up your claims with real situations.

Pro Tips

✅ Highlight versatility – “I lead when it adds value and follow when it’s best for the team.”
✅ Align with the job – If applying for leadership, emphasize relevant experiences.
✅ Show humility – Acknowledge that both roles are essential.