I would like to know a time when you took ownership

Question Analysis

This question assesses your ability to take responsibility and show initiative in your work environment. The interviewer is looking for examples that demonstrate your ability to step up, lead, or solve problems without being explicitly asked. It's about showcasing your proactive mindset and accountability in a professional setting.

To answer this question effectively, use the STAR method:

• Situation: Describe the context and background of the scenario.
• Task: Explain the task or challenge you were facing.
• Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task.
• Result: Share the outcome of your actions and what you learned.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, our team was working on a major project with a tight deadline. Halfway through the project, our team leader unexpectedly had to take a leave of absence for personal reasons.

Task: The team needed guidance to stay on track and ensure we met our project deadline. It was crucial to maintain communication with all stakeholders and keep the project moving forward.

Action: Recognizing the urgency, I decided to step up and take on the leadership responsibilities. I organized daily check-in meetings to monitor progress, re-assigned tasks based on team strengths, and liaised with external partners to ensure seamless collaboration. I also kept upper management informed of our progress and any potential roadblocks we encountered.

Result: As a result of my initiative, the team remained focused and motivated, and we successfully completed the project on time. Upper management praised our team's resilience and my ability to lead under pressure, which led to our team's further involvement in high-profile projects. This experience taught me the importance of stepping up and taking ownership when the situation demands it.