How To Answer

Explanation: This question assesses your decision-making skills and ability to handle challenging situations where you have to weigh various factors. The interviewer is looking to understand how you approach difficult choices.

How to Respond: Use the STAR method to explain the decision-making process you went through, the factors you considered, and the outcome of your decision.

Example Answer

Sample Answer 1:

• Situation: "At my previous job, I had to decide whether to extend a project deadline for a client or push the team to complete the work on time despite some challenges."
• Task: "I needed to balance the client’s expectations with the well-being of the team."
• Action: "I assessed the situation by looking at the project's current status and consulting with the team to understand their concerns. After evaluating all factors, I decided to speak to the client and explain the challenges we were facing. I negotiated a small extension, which allowed the team to complete the project to the best of their ability."
• Result: "The client was understanding and appreciated the transparency, and the team was grateful for the extra time. The project was completed with high quality, and the client was very satisfied with the outcome."

Sample Answer 2:

• Situation: "As a supervisor, I once had to decide whether to promote a high-performing employee who was very capable but lacked leadership experience, or to hire someone from outside the company for the role."
• Task: "I needed to make a decision that would benefit both the employee and the team, while ensuring the company’s needs were met."
• Action: "I had a one-on-one conversation with the employee to discuss their goals and interest in taking on more responsibility. I also gathered input from other team members on the employee's potential as a leader. After considering all perspectives, I decided to promote the internal candidate but also offered leadership training to help them grow into the role."
• Result: "The employee excelled in their new role and felt supported by the development opportunities. The team also respected the decision, as they saw it as an investment in their own growth."