Tell me about a time you were the unpopular opinion on a project.

How to Answer
Answer Example

Often projects you manage will have multiple owners or multiple project managers. Everyone has opinions or styles regarding best practices or how to achieve the goals and objectives. This can cause inconsistencies or massively slow the project down. Kaiser interviewers ask this question because they are looking to see if you can move the group past gridlock or speak up when you know best, tactfully and diplomatically. They are looking to demonstrate courage, even when you are the only one with a different opinion. To best answer this question, make sure your response reflects your patience and persuasion techniques.

"In my current role, I was part of a working group responsible for improving the changes in our phone tree. The majority of the group wanted the phone tree to offer more self-service to drive down call volume. However, some of the suggestions heavily impacted member experience. I mentioned to the group that I had some concerns about the recommendations and was immediately met with resistance. They tried to protect costs, and I tried to preserve the experience, both very vital components. Knowing that they were valuing cost above experience, I explained the costs associate with a poor member experience such as complaints or callbacks. They appreciated the perspective, and we partnered to find a balance."

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How to Answer: Tell me about a time you were the unpopular opinion on a project.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Kaiser Permanente job interview.

4. Tell me about a time you were the unpopular opinion on a project.

How to Answer

Often projects you manage will have multiple owners or multiple project managers. Everyone has opinions or styles regarding best practices or how to achieve the goals and objectives. This can cause inconsistencies or massively slow the project down. Kaiser interviewers ask this question because they are looking to see if you can move the group past gridlock or speak up when you know best, tactfully and diplomatically. They are looking to demonstrate courage, even when you are the only one with a different opinion. To best answer this question, make sure your response reflects your patience and persuasion techniques.

Answer Example

"In my current role, I was part of a working group responsible for improving the changes in our phone tree. The majority of the group wanted the phone tree to offer more self-service to drive down call volume. However, some of the suggestions heavily impacted member experience. I mentioned to the group that I had some concerns about the recommendations and was immediately met with resistance. They tried to protect costs, and I tried to preserve the experience, both very vital components. Knowing that they were valuing cost above experience, I explained the costs associate with a poor member experience such as complaints or callbacks. They appreciated the perspective, and we partnered to find a balance."

Next Question