If you ever had to make an unpopular decision, tell us about it.

Question Analysis

The question is asking you to describe a situation where you had to make a decision that was not well-received or popular among your peers, colleagues, or team. It assesses your ability to stand by your decisions, even when they are not favored by others, and to evaluate how you handle potential conflict or dissent. This question aims to gauge your leadership, decision-making skills, and resilience in challenging situations.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, we were working on a critical project with a tight deadline. We were facing significant delays due to unforeseen technical challenges, and the team was under considerable stress.

Task: As the project manager, it was my responsibility to ensure the project was delivered on time without compromising quality. I needed to make a decision that would help us meet the deadline, even though it might not be popular among the team.

Action: After careful consideration and consultation with the senior management, I decided to implement a mandatory overtime schedule for the next two weeks. I understood that this decision would not be well-received, so I communicated transparently with the team, explaining the situation, the reasons behind the decision, and how it aligned with our goals. I also assured them that this was a temporary measure and offered additional support, such as flexible working hours and compensatory time off after the project completion.

Result: Initially, there was some resistance, but by maintaining open communication and showing empathy towards their concerns, the team eventually understood the necessity of the decision. We successfully delivered the project on time, which was crucial for maintaining client trust and securing future business. The team appreciated the transparency and the measures taken to compensate for the extra workload.