Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision to ensure the success of a project or program.

Sample answer to the question

One time, I was leading a project that had a tight deadline and limited resources. We were facing a critical issue where we had to choose between sacrificing quality or extending the timeline. After careful consideration, I made the difficult decision to extend the timeline to ensure the overall success of the project. I communicated this decision to the team and explained the rationale behind it. We reevaluated our priorities and adjusted our plan accordingly. By taking this difficult decision, we were able to deliver a high-quality project that exceeded expectations.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as a project manager, I encountered a situation where we had to decide whether to proceed with a complex project despite limited resources or delay it to ensure its success. To make an informed decision, I gathered input from the team to understand the potential challenges and risks. I also consulted with stakeholders and conducted a thorough analysis of the project's requirements. After careful consideration, I made the difficult decision to delay the project. I presented my decision to the team, explaining the rationale and emphasizing the long-term benefits of prioritizing quality over speed. We adjusted our timeline, reallocated resources, and communicated the new plan to stakeholders. Despite the initial disappointment of the delay, the team understood the importance of the decision and fully committed to delivering a successful project that exceeded expectations.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the project, the decision-making process, and the outcome. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to gather input, conduct analysis, and effectively communicate their decision. It also addresses all the evaluation areas, showcasing leadership, strategic planning, program development, and problem-solving skills. However, the answer could still be improved by providing more quantifiable results and addressing the financial aspect of the decision.

An exceptional answer

As the project manager for a critical software implementation, I faced a difficult decision when we encountered unexpected technical issues that jeopardized the project's success. We had two options: continue with the original plan, potentially compromising the software's functionality, or invest additional time and resources to address the issues and deliver a superior product. To make an informed decision, I collaborated with the technical team to evaluate the impact of the issues on the project timeline, budget, and overall quality. We conducted a thorough risk assessment and consulted external experts for their insights. After careful consideration, I recommended allocating additional resources and extending the timeline to address the technical issues. This decision required negotiating with stakeholders to secure additional funding and managing team dynamics to maintain motivation during the extended timeline. As a result, we successfully resolved the technical issues and delivered a high-performance software solution that surpassed client expectations, leading to positive feedback and repeat business opportunities.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a detailed example of a challenging project and the decision-making process. It highlights the candidate's ability to collaborate, analyze risks, negotiate, and deliver exceptional results. The answer also showcases adaptability, problem-solving, leadership, and strategic planning skills. It demonstrates the candidate's financial literacy by mentioning securing additional funding. The addition of measurable results and client satisfaction further strengthens the answer.

How to prepare for this question

Think of a specific project or program where you had to make a difficult decision.
Consider the key factors that influenced your decision, such as resources, timeline, quality, and stakeholder impact.
Reflect on the outcomes of your decision and any significant accomplishments or challenges.
Highlight your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills in your response.
Provide specific examples and quantify the results achieved as much as possible.

What interviewers are evaluating

Leadership and people management
Strategic planning and business acumen
Program development and project management
Adaptability and problem-solving