2200. Tell me about a time when something didn't go as planned

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Interviewer

Could you describe an instance where your plans did not unfold as anticipated and how you handled it?

Skill Assessed
  • 1. Problem Solving : This question seeks to assess your ability to identify problems when things go awry and your approach to finding solutions.

  • 2. Adaptability : The interviewer wants to understand how flexible you are in unexpected situations and whether you can adjust your actions to achieve objectives despite obstacles.

  • 3. Resilience : Your response will reveal how you cope with setbacks and your tenacity in overcoming challenges.

  • 4. Learning Ability : This scenario will give insight into your capacity to learn from experiences and apply those lessons to future challenges.

Purpose
  • 1. Evaluating Behavioral Responses : The question is designed to elicit examples of your past behavior, which is a predictor of how you'll handle similar situations in the future.

  • 2. Understanding Your Problem-Solving Process : Knowing your process helps the interviewer gauge how well you can navigate complexities within their projects or with their teams.

  • 3. Assessing Your Resilience and Grit : The question aims to determine your ability to persist in the face of challenges peculiar to project management roles.

  • 4. Judging Your Adaptability : It's important for the interviewer to assess how well you can adapt your plans to align with changing project dynamics.


Hints
  • 1. Reflect on a Significant Challenge : Focus on an event that had a real impact on the project or your team, which gives you a substantial scenario to discuss.

  • 2. Detail Your Thought Process : You should articulate the steps you took to identify the issue and how you arrived at your solution, which shows your methodology in problem-solving.

  • 3. Highlight Positive Outcomes : Even if the situation was challenging, try to show what positive aspects or learning experiences came from it, demonstrating growth and improvement.

Tags
Topics: 
Problem Solving
Adaptability
Roles: 
Program Manager
Companies: 
Cisco
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