Tell me about a time where you were unpopular thanks to a decision you imposed on your team

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your leadership and decision-making skills, particularly in challenging situations where your decisions are not well-received by others. Interviewers ask this question to understand how you handle conflict, stand by your decisions, and manage team dynamics when faced with unpopularity. They are looking for evidence of your ability to make tough choices, communicate effectively, and manage the aftermath of those decisions. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help you structure your response in a clear and compelling way.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was leading a team tasked with delivering a critical project under a tight deadline. Midway through the project, it became clear that we were not on track to meet the deadline due to several unforeseen challenges.

Task: As the leader, it was my responsibility to bring the project back on schedule without compromising on quality. After evaluating several options, I decided that the best course of action was to implement mandatory overtime for the next two weeks.

Action: I knew this decision would be unpopular, so I called a team meeting to explain the situation and my decision. I communicated the urgency and importance of meeting the deadline and assured them that this was a temporary measure. I also promised to provide additional support and resources wherever possible to ease the burden.

Result: Initially, there was resistance and dissatisfaction among team members. However, by maintaining open communication and offering support, I was able to foster a sense of shared purpose and accountability. We successfully met the project deadline, and the quality of work was commended by the client. In hindsight, while the decision was initially unpopular, it ultimately led to a successful project delivery and strengthened team cohesion.