Tell me about an experience that demonstrates your leadership abilities.
ExperienceLeadershipCore
Purpose
This question is all about seeing if you can step up and lead. Residency programs want to know if you can guide a team, make decisions, and inspire others. It's about showing you're proactive, not just following orders.
Tips
- Use the STAR-L method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, Lessons Learned.
- Pick a specific example where you led something, even if it wasn't a formal role.
- Highlight key leadership skills like communication, decision-making, and motivating others.
Common mistakes
- Don't just say you're a leader without a story to back it up.
- Avoid vague answers like 'I just take charge' without specifics.
- Don't bulldoze others in your story; good leaders listen and collaborate.
Background
Use STAR-L to structure responses to questions about your experiences: -Situation: Briefly set the scene - where/when and what was going on? -Task: What was your specific role or challenge in that situation? -Action: What you did - focus on your steps, decisions, and contributions. -Result: Share the outcome - ideally positive or meaningful. -Lessons Learned: Reflect on what you took away and how you’ve grown.