Category: Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit

Leaders are obligated to respectfully challenge decisions when they disagree, even when doing so is uncomfortable or exhausting. Leaders have conviction and are tenacious. They do not compromise for the sake of social cohesion. Once a decision is determined, they commit wholly.

Tell me about a time you gave up on a short term benefit in favor of long term benefit

Why was that the right trade-off? How did you ensure that the team understood the trade-off?

Tell me about a time you disagreed with your team but decided to go ahead with their proposal

Why did you disagree? What was the outcome?

Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a final decision but still committed wholly to its execution.

How did you navigate this situation and ensure a successful outcome? Did you learn anything new that changed your mind about your initial position?

When was the last time you were challenged in public, and how did you handle it?

What was the challenge? What was the outcome?

Describe a situation where you and a colleague had a constructive disagreement.

How did you express your concerns and work together to reach a resolution?

Describe a time when you disagreed with your manager

How did you raise the issue? How did your manager respond? What was the outcome?

Describe a situation where you held an unpopular contrarian position.

How did you communicate your viewpoint and handle potential pushback?