Give an example of when you made a decision that was unpopular.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to evaluate your decision-making skills, leadership abilities, and how you handle opposition. Interviewers want to see if you can make tough decisions, stand by them, and effectively manage any resulting conflict or dissatisfaction. It's important to demonstrate your ability to assess situations, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively with others, even when your decision is not popular.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, our team was working on a critical project with a tight deadline. Halfway through, I realized that the current approach would not meet our client's expectations due to recent updates in their requirements.

Task: As the project lead, I needed to decide whether to continue with the existing plan, which everyone was comfortable with, or pivot to a new strategy that would require additional work and resources but would ensure client satisfaction.

Action: After analyzing both options, I chose to implement the new strategy. I convened a team meeting to explain my decision, outlining the benefits and necessity of the change while acknowledging the extra effort required. I also ensured that we had enough resources and support to implement the new plan effectively.

Result: Initially, the decision was met with resistance from some team members who were concerned about the increased workload. However, by clearly communicating the long-term benefits and providing the necessary support, the team gradually came on board. Ultimately, the project was completed successfully, exceeding the client's expectations and strengthening our relationship with them. This decision, though initially unpopular, proved to be the right choice for the project's success and the team's growth.