Share a time when you had to make a quick decision.

Question Analysis

This question is asking you to demonstrate your ability to make quick decisions under pressure, which is a valuable skill in many work environments. The interviewer is interested in understanding your decision-making process, how you handle stress, and the outcomes of your decisions. This is a behavioral question, so it's best to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your response.

Answer

Situation: At my previous job as a project manager, we were in the final stages of a major project when one of our key suppliers informed us that they would not be able to deliver a crucial component due to unforeseen circumstances.

Task: I needed to quickly decide on an alternative solution to avoid delaying the project, as any delay would have significant financial implications for our company and could harm our relationship with the client.

Action: I immediately convened a meeting with the team to assess our options. After a brief discussion, I decided to reach out to a backup supplier we had worked with in the past. I negotiated expedited shipping terms and ensured they could meet our quality standards. Simultaneously, I communicated with the client to keep them informed and manage their expectations.

Result: The backup supplier delivered the components on time, and we were able to complete the project as scheduled. The client was appreciative of our transparency and ability to handle the situation swiftly, which strengthened our business relationship. This experience taught me the importance of having contingency plans and maintaining strong relationships with multiple suppliers.