If you took an unpopular decision, please tell me about it

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your decision-making skills, especially in situations where your choice may not have been well-received by others. The interviewer is interested in understanding your ability to stand by your decisions, the reasoning behind them, and your approach to handling potential resistance or conflict. They want to see if you can make tough decisions while considering the impact on team dynamics and outcomes.

To effectively answer this question, you should use the STAR method, which involves discussing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result related to the decision you made. This structured approach helps showcase your problem-solving skills and the positive outcomes of your actions.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, our team was tasked with delivering a critical project with a tight deadline. Midway through the project, I noticed that our current approach was leading to quality issues and potential delays.

Task: As the project lead, I had the responsibility to ensure the project was delivered on time without compromising quality. Although the team was comfortable with the existing plan, I needed to decide whether to continue with it or implement a new strategy that could potentially disrupt our workflow.

Action: After careful consideration, I decided to adopt a new project management tool that required the team to adjust their workflow. This decision was unpopular initially, as it required additional training and effort when the team was already under pressure. I communicated the long-term benefits of the new tool, including improved efficiency and quality control, and provided resources and support for a smooth transition.

Result: Despite initial resistance, the team adapted to the new system, which ultimately led to a 20% improvement in project delivery time and a significant reduction in errors. The successful completion of the project not only met the client's expectations but also improved our team's overall performance. This experience reinforced the importance of making tough decisions for the greater good, even when they are unpopular.