CBSA Mock Interview
Master 60 CBSA interview questions covering border security, integrity scenarios, and situational judgment.
Question 40 of 60
How would you handle it if you believed strongly in a recommendation you made in a meeting, but most of your co-workers shot it down?
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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.
"Well, there's a lot to consider here. I've been in situations where I've made suggestions early on in my career, but my suggestion wasn't new. It was a suggestion others made before and since. I've learned to get a full lay of the land before suggesting any changes to the landscape. Once I have a full understanding, I'd want to make sure I delivered my suggestion as clearly as possible. I'd want them to understand why I was making this recommendation, and the positive impact. If everyone unanimously shot my idea down, there must be a good reason for it, and I'd want to learn why and take that into consideration."
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.
There are several components worth examining in this situation. Your interviewer will evaluate your analytical thinking, and how able you are to recognize your growth opportunities. Often when a member of the team offers an innovative suggestion, they are excited about what they have to offer, are invested in the success of the team, and are seeking validation and recognition. Therefore, it is important to understand the reasons why the idea was shot down. Additionally, it is worth examining why you believed strongly in your recommendation.
So, what fueled your strong belief of this idea, and what were the reasons for it being shot down? Lastly, how effectively did you communicate your recommendation? Was the message you meant to send truly received, or was it lost in translation? These are the components of the question most worth exploring. You'll need to attain a clearer understanding of what went wrong and identifying any growth opportunities as well.
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.
Ask clarifying questions. Make sure your communication skills are really showcased here. Don't try to navigate this question without a thorough understanding of its nature. Taking this approach before answering this question will make your response even more successful.
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Anonymous Answer
I would want to understand why most of my colleagues didn't believe my recommendation. By understanding their reasons I can reformulate my ideas so that my explanation is clearer and manages to convince them. Or else, understanding their point of view, I can see that in fact my recommendation wasn't good enough to be accepted, and next time I need to be sure of what I'm talking about to get more supporters. I have no problem admitting mistakes or changing opinions. We all have to work towards a common goal, which is the good of the company.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! How exactly would you come to understand their reasons and opinions?
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