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Building a strong team: interview questions for leadership and collaboration 

Addison Group
When it comes to building a strong, high-performing team, hiring the right people is only half the battle. The other half? Ensuring they can lead effectively and collaborate seamlessly across teams.

When it comes to building a strong, high-performing team, hiring the right people is only half the battle. The other half? Ensuring they can lead effectively and collaborate seamlessly across teams.  

That said, how do you go beyond the usual “tell me about yourself” and “what are your strengths?” questions?  

Here we dive into some strategic interview questions that will help you identify candidates who not only excel individually but also elevate your whole team.  

Leadership  

Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about influence, vision, and the ability to inspire others. When interviewing for these qualities, look for answers that reveal emotional intelligence, decisiveness, and resilience.  

Ask questions such as: 

Can you describe a time when you had to lead a team through a challenging project? What was your approach and what was the outcome?  

How do you handle situations where your team disagrees with your approach?  

  • Leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about navigating conflicts and valuing diverse opinions.  

Tell me about a time when you had to motivate a team member who was struggling. How did you support them? 

  • This allows the candidate to discuss their empathy and ability to foster growth, which are essential leadership traits.  

Collaboration  

No one succeeds in a vacuum. Collaboration is the glue that holds teams together and drives innovation. Look for candidates who naturally foster cooperation and communication.  

Ask questions such as: 

Describe a successful team project you were part of. What role did you play and how did the team work together?  

  • This highlights their ability to work within a group and contribute meaningfully to putting out good work for the company.  

Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone whose working style was very different from yours. How did you manage that?  

  • This can reveal adaptability and interpersonal skills. 

Collaborating while in a leadership role 

Great leaders are often great collaborators, too. The best hires will demonstrate both skill sets fluidly. If a candidate demonstrates they can work well with others even when holding a leadership position, chances are they will be a good culture fit as well.  

Ask questions such as: 

  • How do you balance taking charge while encouraging input from your team? 
  • Give an example of how you’ve led a cross-functional team or project. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? 
  • What strategies do you use to build trust within your team? 

When you focus your interviews on leadership and collaboration, you get more than a list of skills on paper. You uncover how candidates think, how they interact, and whether they align with your company’s culture and values. 

Looking to expand your team? Addison Group can help. For more than 20 years, our expert recruiters have worked with top companies to ensure every new hire is a building block for a stronger, more cohesive team. Let’s talk about how we can find the right talent for your business, not just who’s available.