Share with me an occasion when you made a quick decision.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your decision-making skills, particularly in situations where time is limited. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you handle pressure, evaluate options quickly, and make effective decisions promptly. They want to see evidence of your ability to think on your feet and the impact of your decision. To answer this question effectively, you should use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Answer

Situation: During my previous role as a project manager at XYZ Corp, we were in the final stages of a critical project with a tight deadline. Suddenly, our main supplier informed us of a delay in a crucial component due to unforeseen circumstances.

Task: I needed to make a quick decision to ensure that the project stayed on track without compromising quality or exceeding the budget significantly.

Action: I immediately convened an emergency meeting with my team to brainstorm possible alternatives. After evaluating several options, I decided to source the component from a local supplier who could deliver within two days. I negotiated a fair price and ensured quality assurance by conducting a quick but thorough vetting process with the supplier.

Result: As a result of this swift decision, we received the needed components on time, and the project was completed successfully, within the deadline. This decision not only kept the project on track but also demonstrated our team's ability to adapt and respond to unexpected challenges effectively. The client was highly satisfied with the outcome, which led to a new contract for future projects.