Can you give an example of a difficult decision you had to make in the past and your decision-making process?

Sample answer to the question

Sure, a tough decision I faced was back at my last job, where I had to choose between two strong candidates for a team lead position. Both had excellent skills, but I ultimately went with the one who had a bit more experience in leading projects similar to ours. I looked at their past performances, got input from higher-ups and peers, and considered how each would fit with the team dynamic.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as a department lead, I had to make a tough call between outsourcing a project to a contractor with specialized skills or reallocating internal resources, which posed a risk of overextension. After a thorough cost-benefit analysis, considering both immediate and long-term implications, and using project management tools to simulate various scenarios, I decided to outsource. This decision was bolstered by discussions with the internal team about their current workload and future development opportunities we didn't want to miss by being short-staffed.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This answer provides a more in-depth look at the decision-making process, demonstrating the use of project management tools and methodologies. It illustrates the candidate's ability to lead by involving the team in the decision and shows concern for future development opportunities, aligning with the need to inspire and motivate a diverse engineering team. However, the answer could further detail the technical discussions and leadership approach taken.

An exceptional answer

At my last position, we faced a critical juncture when two high-priority projects were at risk of colliding timelines. It was my responsibility to decide whether to delay one project or to redistribute engineers, which involved heavy risk assessment and forecasting. Using advanced project management software, I ran multiple simulations to determine the impact on budgets and resources. I consulted with stakeholders, considered team morale and individual workloads, and held several technical strategy sessions to ensure we were technically prepared for either scenario. Ultimately, I chose to redistribute the engineers, balancing immediate project needs with long-term team development. This ensured project continuity without compromising quality standards or overburdening the team, and it also gave junior engineers opportunities to step up, fostering professional growth.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer showcases a detailed, analytical decision-making process that covers all evaluation areas. It emphasizes the use of engineering software and tools, demonstrates strong leadership and problem-solving abilities, and highlights the candidate's skill in managing multiple projects. It also reflects the ability to inspire and lead a diverse team by considering team morale and development, and shows effective communication through constant dialog with stakeholders and the engineering team. Furthermore, it aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications of the Engineering Manager role, such as identifying risks and formulating strategies.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on a past scenario where your decision had significant impact on project outcomes and team dynamics. Ensure the example demonstrates your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
Prepare details on how you used project management tools to analyze and simulate outcomes. Be prepared to discuss any software or methodologies you applied during the decision-making process.
Consider discussing how you balanced technical needs with team management, emphasizing how you maintained team morale and managed resources effectively.
Highlight the importance of leadership and communication during your decision-making process, providing examples of how you engaged with different stakeholders.
Focus on your ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts, which may arise from difficult decisions, by thinking of examples where you had to persuade or find common ground among team members or other departments.

What interviewers are evaluating

problem-solving and decision-making abilities
leadership and team-building skills
ability to motivate and inspire a diverse engineering team
experience managing a technical team
effective communication and leadership skills