When responding to this question, make sure you emphasize your willingness to take the initiative rather than complain about the manager's absence. Describe how you felt the need to take action, did so to resolve the immediate situation, then reviewed the issue and your actions with your manager. Be prepared to answer a follow-up question about what you would do differently next time.

"Recently, my manager was away on vacation, and I was asked to fill in for them. A conflict arose between our team and another department, demanding an immediate resolution. The manager from the other department insisted we do what they wanted since our manager was not available. Knowing this was not the best solution, I presented an alternative and recommended that we discuss this with the senior leadership team to get their input. The other manager agreed. Working with senior leaders, we developed a compromise that resolved the conflict. When my manager returned from vacation, I briefed them on the incident, and they agreed I had acted appropriately."