Instruction
Interview a manager concerning selected topics of interest. You are encouraged to interview a manager in a business setting; however, it is okay to interview a manager in a school or other public organization.
The questions below are sample questions you may choose to ask. Depending on the allotted time for your interview there is the chance you may not get to every question you want to ask. You should ask and take good notes on approximately 5 questions of your choice from the list below.
After your interview, review your notes and type the questions and a summary of the responses in a 2-4 page, double spaced, 12 point font paper. Be sure to include the name of the manager you interviewed, the organization they work for and their job title at the top of your paper.
Suggested Interview Questions
The following questions are provided to assist you in preparing for your interview. You should ask approximately 5 questions during the interview.
Introduction
How did you first get into a management position? Was being a manager something that you knew all along you wanted to become, or was it by chance that you became a manager?
What kind of in-house training have you received that has helped prepare you as a manager? What about external (off-site) training opportunities?
In the course of a typical day, in what areas of management do you tend to spend most of your time?
Planning
How does the mission statement impact your department/organization?
Describe the strategic planning process within your organization.
What effect does the strategic planning process have on your department?
How are the goals and objectives for your department decided upon? How do these goals and objectives support the strategic plan of the organization?
Describe the planning process that you use (weekly, monthly, quarterly). What percent of your time as a manager is spent planning?
Organizing
Describe how your department is organized?
What is the rational or basis for this form of organization?
Are there alternate ways your department could be organized? If so, what are they?
What has been your experience with delegation? What tips can you offer to new managers in their ability to delegate work?
Leading
What have you found to be the most effective way(s) to communicate with employees?
How are employees kept informed of job related and other important information?
What has been your organization’s experience using work groups or teams?
What tends to motivate employees? How is this achieved in your organization?
What are the qualities of an effective leader?
Is there a difference between management and leadership?
Controlling
What has been your experience with disciplining employees (frequency, nature of performance problems, approach used to try and correct performance, degree of success, etc.)?
Describe your role in budget preparation for your department.
General
In your judgment, what are the primary qualities or characteristics of a good manager?
What is the most rewarding part of your job? What is most frustrating?