Tell me about a time where you took an unpopular decision

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your decision-making capabilities, leadership, and ability to stand by your convictions even when they aren't widely accepted. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you handle difficult situations, the reasoning behind your decisions, and how you communicate and implement these decisions despite opposition. This question also assesses your ability to navigate conflict and demonstrate resilience.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager at XYZ Corporation, we were working on a high-stakes project with a tight deadline. During a critical phase, I discovered that one of our main approaches was not yielding the expected results, and continuing on this path could jeopardize the entire project.

Task: As the project lead, it was my responsibility to ensure the project's success and deliver results on time. However, changing the approach meant deviating from the original plan, which was widely supported by the team and stakeholders.

Action: After thorough analysis and discussion with my core team, I made the decision to pivot our strategy. I organized a meeting with the stakeholders to communicate my decision, backing it up with data and projections showing potential risks and benefits. I acknowledged the concerns of the team and stakeholders, providing a detailed plan on how the new approach could meet our objectives efficiently.

Result: Despite initial resistance, the team and stakeholders began to see the value in the new approach as we progressed. Ultimately, the project was completed on time and exceeded the client's expectations. The decision not only saved the project but also increased our team's credibility with the client and provided valuable insights for future projects.

By using the STAR method, I was able to clearly articulate my experience, demonstrating my ability to make difficult decisions and effectively manage change.