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

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your decision-making skills, particularly in situations where you had to go against the majority or take a stand that was not popular. The interviewer is looking to understand your reasoning, how you handle potential pushback, and the outcomes of your decision. This type of question is best answered using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, which allows you to provide a structured and concise response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, our team was working on a high-stakes project with a tight deadline. During one of our meetings, the majority of the team favored a particular approach that was less time-consuming but carried significant risks in terms of quality and compliance.

Task: As the project manager, it was my responsibility to ensure that the project was completed on time without compromising on quality or regulatory standards. I needed to decide whether to go with the popular approach or choose a more thorough method that would require additional resources and time.

Action: After careful consideration and consultation with key stakeholders, I decided to proceed with the more thorough approach. I communicated my decision to the team, explaining the potential long-term benefits and the importance of maintaining our standards. I also outlined a revised timeline and resource allocation plan to mitigate the additional time required.

Result: Initially, there was some resistance from the team due to the increased workload and extended timeline. However, by being transparent about the decision-making process and continuously updating the team on progress, I was able to gain their buy-in. The project was completed successfully, meeting all quality and compliance requirements. This decision ultimately led to increased client satisfaction and strengthened our reputation for delivering high-quality work.