Let's say you only have resources to complete 6 of 10 tasks you're allocated at Groupon. How would you prioritize?
Question Analysis
This question is designed to assess your ability to prioritize tasks effectively, a key skill for a Program Manager. It tests your decision-making process, strategic thinking, and understanding of the impact of each task on the overall business goals. The interviewer wants to see how you balance competing demands and make informed choices under resource constraints.
Answer
To prioritize tasks effectively when resources are limited, I would follow a structured approach:
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Assess Task Impact and Alignment:
- Business Impact: Evaluate each task based on its potential impact on the business objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs). Tasks that drive significant business value or align closely with strategic goals should be prioritized higher.
- Stakeholder Needs: Consider the importance of each task to stakeholders. Tasks that are critical to key stakeholders or have significant dependencies should be prioritized.
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Evaluate Urgency and Deadlines:
- Time Sensitivity: Identify tasks with strict deadlines or those that are time-sensitive. Prioritize tasks that, if delayed, could lead to missed opportunities or negative impacts.
- Dependency Considerations: Consider tasks that are prerequisites for other high-impact initiatives.
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Resource and Effort Estimation:
- Effort Required: Analyze the resources and effort required for each task. Tasks that offer high impact with relatively low resource investment should be prioritized.
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Risk Assessment:
- Risk of Non-Completion: Evaluate the risks associated with not completing each task. Prioritize tasks that mitigate high risks or prevent critical issues.
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Communicate and Collaborate:
- Stakeholder Communication: Engage with stakeholders to confirm priorities and ensure alignment. Clear communication helps in managing expectations and obtaining consensus.
By applying these prioritization criteria, I would select the six tasks that deliver the maximum value to the organization while aligning with strategic goals and stakeholder expectations.