2675. How would you handle project deadlines when falling behind schedule?

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Description

Interviewer

Tell me about a time when a project you were managing was falling behind schedule. How did you handle it and work towards meeting the project deadlines?

Skill Assessed
  • 1. Time Management : The ability to efficiently allocate and utilize time to catch up on delayed tasks.

  • 2. Problem Solving : The competence of identifying the root causes of delays and finding practical solutions to overcome them.

  • 3. Adaptability : Being flexible and capable of adjusting plans and strategies to get the project back on track.

  • 4. Communication : The need to effectively communicate with the team, stakeholders, and possibly clients about changes in timeline or scope to manage expectations.

Purpose
  • 1. Assessment of Prioritization : Evaluating your ability to prioritize tasks and resources when facing tight deadlines.

  • 2. Understanding of Time Management : Understanding how you manage your time and the project schedule under pressure.

  • 3. Evaluation of Decision-making : Exploring how you make decisions when original plans must be changed to accommodate new timelines.

  • 4. Examination of Communication Skills : Determining your capability to communicate effectively under stress and keep all parties informed.


Hints
  • 1. Illustrate the Context : When responding, set the scene by briefly outlining the project and explaining the circumstances that led to the delay.

  • 2. Describe Specific Actions : Detail the specific actions you took to address the delay, such as restructuring the project timeline, redistributing tasks, or negotiating extensions.

  • 3. Demonstrate the Outcome : Conclude by explaining the result of your actions, especially if they led to successful on-time project delivery or minimized impacts of the delay.

Tags
Topics: 
Problem Solving
Pressure Management
Roles: 
Associate
Project Manager
Companies: 
IBM
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