Describe when you tried an untested approach to handling a problem.
"I wanted to take a course from a professor I admired, but the class was full. So I read through all the books the professor had written, and approached them, asking them questions about their work. They saw through what I was doing and said they admired my effort and tenacity. They challenged me to read through some very heavy reading material and said they'd test me on what I learned by week's end. I accepted the challenge. There was too much material to cover without causing my other studies to suffer. So I approached the reading material in a manner that would benefit my current studies. If I finished early enough, I'd read on. I didn't get through all the material. At the end of the week, I thanked them for the opportunity. They asked me how much material I covered and I told them. They asked me why I approached the workload as I did, and I explained. They were impressed and said the true test was my approach to my work, and I was accepted into the class."
This question seeks to offer insights into one's makeup and determine if you are a good fit for this role while revealing any potential red flags. Innovation is partly achieved by taking calculated risks. For some, taking risks comes naturally. Others might take risks compulsively, which could turn costly for an individual, a family, or a company. Then there are those who are risk-averse, maintaining the status quo.
Detail the situation, what inspired you to take the approach you took, and how you achieved a positive outcome. When delivering your example, you want to present yourself as someone who takes calculated risks as opposed to someone who is a habitual risk-taker.
Avoid providing examples where you went outside of the chain of command, or the approach you took resulted in failure. This will only serve as a red flag, presenting you as a liability.
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