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

Question Analysis

This question aims to assess your ability to think on your feet and make decisions under pressure. Employers are interested in your decision-making process, how you handle stress, and your ability to act decisively when required. They want to see if you can stay calm and focused while making quick, effective decisions that benefit your team or project. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help structure your response by highlighting a specific scenario, your role, the actions you took, and the outcome of your decision.

Answer

Situation: During my previous role as a project manager, we were in the final stages of a major project when one of our key suppliers informed us they could not deliver a critical component on time.

Task: I needed to quickly decide how to manage this unexpected delay to keep the project on track and meet the client's deadline.

Action: I immediately called an emergency team meeting to brainstorm alternative solutions. We reviewed our list of secondary suppliers and evaluated their ability to deliver the required component quickly. After assessing the options, I decided to split the order between two reliable suppliers to expedite the delivery process. I also communicated transparently with the client, explaining the situation and our proactive measures to resolve the issue.

Result: By acting swiftly and strategically, we managed to receive the components in time, allowing us to complete the project as scheduled. The client appreciated our transparency and efficient problem-solving, which strengthened our professional relationship and led to additional projects.