Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult stakeholder and how you handled the situation?

Sample answer to the question

I once had to deal with a difficult stakeholder when I was managing a project for a client. The stakeholder had very high expectations and was constantly changing the scope of the project. To handle the situation, I stayed calm and maintained open lines of communication. I made sure to regularly update the stakeholder on the progress of the project and proactively addressed any concerns they had. I also set clear expectations and boundaries and worked closely with the team to ensure that we were meeting the stakeholder's needs. By being transparent and responsive, I was able to build trust and maintain a positive relationship with the stakeholder.

A more solid answer

I had a challenging experience with a difficult stakeholder during a project I managed for a large client. This stakeholder had very specific requirements and would often change priorities and expectations. To navigate this situation, I implemented a proactive communication strategy. I scheduled regular meetings with the stakeholder to discuss updates, address any concerns, and gather feedback. I also created a detailed project plan that clearly documented the scope, milestones, and deliverables, which helped manage expectations and set boundaries. When the stakeholder requested changes, I carefully evaluated the impact on the project timeline and resources before making decisions. I also leveraged my problem-solving skills to find creative solutions that met their needs within the project constraints. By maintaining a transparent and collaborative approach, I was able to successfully manage the stakeholder's expectations and build a strong working relationship.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details and examples that demonstrate the candidate's effective communication and problem-solving skills. The candidate describes their proactive communication strategy, use of project planning, evaluation of impact, and problem-solving abilities. However, it can be further improved by providing specific outcomes or results of the situation.

An exceptional answer

During a project I managed, I encountered a difficult stakeholder who had conflicting priorities and was resistant to change. To address this challenge, I took a strategic approach. Firstly, I conducted a stakeholder analysis to understand their motivations, concerns, and communication preferences. Armed with this knowledge, I tailored my communication style to build rapport and trust with the stakeholder. I scheduled regular one-on-one meetings to listen to their concerns, address any issues, and provide updates on the project progress. Additionally, I proactively sought their feedback and input to ensure their needs were being met. When conflicts arose, I facilitated productive discussions by actively listening, acknowledging their perspectives, and finding win-win solutions. By involving them in the decision-making process, the stakeholder felt valued and became more receptive to change. Ultimately, I successfully managed to align their expectations with project goals and achieved a positive outcome.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by providing additional details on the candidate's strategic approach. The candidate describes their stakeholder analysis, tailored communication, proactive engagement, active listening, and finding win-win solutions. The answer also highlights the candidate's ability to successfully align stakeholder expectations with project goals. Overall, the answer demonstrates comprehensive skills in effective communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving.

How to prepare for this question

Before the interview, review your past experiences dealing with difficult stakeholders and identify specific examples that highlight your communication and problem-solving skills.
Consider the different strategies you have used in the past to manage difficult stakeholders and think about their effectiveness and outcomes.
Practice articulating your approach to handling difficult stakeholders, focusing on clear communication, empathy, and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
Research the company and its stakeholders to gain a better understanding of their goals and challenges. This will help you tailor your answer to the organization's needs.
Be prepared to discuss any challenges or learnings from past experiences dealing with difficult stakeholders and how you have applied those learnings in subsequent projects.

What interviewers are evaluating

Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities