Practice 35 Blue Origin interview questions covering technical aerospace challenges, mission alignment, and safety culture.
Question 27 of 35
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Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
One of Blue Origin's 12 leaders principles is, "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."

Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"A great team member does not agree with everything and fall in line; they support with respect and positivity. It's more important to have transparent and supportive communication. It's okay to disagree. It's all in how you maintain respect for each other despite the difference in opinion."

Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
Managing up doesn't mean micromanaging your superiors or approaching from the presumption that you know better. It is a supportive role where you provide insight that helps support their roles as leaders. This interview question evaluates your sense of diplomacy and how well you get along with those in positions of authority. When you don't agree with the decisions or approach your leadership takes, do you prioritize the needs of the team and work constructively towards a mutually beneficial outcome, or do you sow dissent and accomplish nothing?

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Anonymous Answer
Yes, I think it is possible. Although I understand the importance of being on the same page, when disagreeing with a leader I think it's all in how you maintain your respect despite the difference in opinion.

Rachelle's Feedback
I am sure your experience in the navy would have given you some exposure to this type of situation too. Very good answer, and if you want to make it even stronger, feel free to add in an example of a time when you were in this specific situation.
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Written by Kevin Downey
35 Questions & Answers • Blue Origin, LLC

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By Kevin