Tell us about a time when you had to balance multiple competing priorities.

SENIOR LEVEL
Tell us about a time when you had to balance multiple competing priorities.
Sample answer to the question:
I had to balance multiple competing priorities during my previous role as a Senior Internist. One specific instance was when I was attending to a critically ill patient while simultaneously supervising junior doctors and leading a research project. I had to prioritize the immediate care of the patient while ensuring that the junior doctors were providing quality care as well. I delegated tasks effectively, communicated clearly with the team, and made sure that the research project was not neglected. It was challenging, but I managed to balance the competing priorities by staying organized and utilizing my leadership skills.
Here is a more solid answer:
As a Senior Internist, I frequently encountered situations where I had to balance multiple competing priorities. One such instance was when I had to attend to a critically ill patient, lead a research project, mentor junior doctors, and collaborate with other specialists. In order to effectively manage these competing demands, I leveraged my in-depth knowledge of internal medicine and its subspecialties to diagnose and treat the patient with exceptional attention to detail. I also utilized my strong leadership and team-management skills to delegate tasks to the junior doctors and ensure that the patient received high-quality care. Additionally, my excellent communication and interpersonal skills allowed me to effectively collaborate with other specialists and maintain clear and open lines of communication with the entire team. Overall, I successfully balanced these competing priorities by leveraging my skills and expertise in internal medicine while effectively managing my team and ensuring the best possible patient care.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides more specific details related to the evaluation areas of in-depth knowledge of internal medicine, exceptional diagnostic skills, leadership, and communication. It highlights the candidate's ability to utilize their knowledge and skills to balance multiple competing priorities effectively. However, it can still be improved by providing more specific examples or outcomes of the research project and mentoring of junior doctors.
An example of a exceptional answer:
Balancing multiple competing priorities is a common occurrence in my role as a Senior Internist. One particular situation that stands out is when I had to manage a critically ill patient, oversee a groundbreaking research project, mentor junior doctors, and collaborate with specialists from different disciplines to provide comprehensive care. In this high-pressure scenario, my in-depth knowledge of internal medicine and its subspecialties allowed me to diagnose and treat the patient effectively, with exceptional attention to detail. Not only did I successfully stabilize the patient's condition, but I also achieved significant milestones in the research project, leading to the development of innovative treatment options. Meanwhile, my strong leadership and team-management skills came into play as I delegated tasks to the junior doctors, ensuring optimal patient care and their professional growth. Through open and effective communication, I fostered collaboration with specialists, enabling us to develop customized treatment plans for our patients. By prioritizing and organizing my time, I successfully balanced these competing priorities without compromising the quality of care. This experience reinforced my commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest advancements in internal medicine.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing more specific details and outcomes related to the evaluation areas of in-depth knowledge of internal medicine, exceptional diagnostic skills, leadership, and communication. It showcases the candidate's ability to not only effectively balance multiple competing priorities but also achieve significant milestones and make advancements in the field of internal medicine. This answer demonstrates a high level of expertise and dedication to continuous professional development.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past experiences where you had to balance multiple competing priorities. Think about specific instances where your skills in internal medicine, diagnostic abilities, leadership, and communication played a crucial role.
  • Highlight the outcomes or achievements resulting from successfully managing competing priorities. This could include improved patient outcomes, advancements in research projects, or successful collaborations with other specialists.
  • Practice articulating your response with clarity and conciseness. Make sure to include specific details and use examples to provide a comprehensive and compelling answer.
  • Research and familiarize yourself with the latest advancements and best practices in internal medicine. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated with the field.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • In-depth knowledge of internal medicine and its subspecialties
  • Exceptional diagnostic skills with attention to detail
  • Strong leadership and team-management skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Want content like this in your inbox?
Sign Up for our Newsletter

By clicking "Sign up" you consent and agree to Jobya's Terms & Privacy policies

Related Interview Questions