How to Answer: How do you react if your board or senior leadership team ask you to do something with which you do not agree?
10. How do you react if your board or senior leadership team ask you to do something with which you do not agree?
How to Answer
Moral dilemmas do not disappear as you climb the ranks of an organization or your industry. In fact, they can become even more complicated. This hypothetical question is a blend of behavioral and honesty based. If you have ever been asked by your board, or senior leadership team, to take part in something that you were not comfortable with, you can use this real-life example. Be sure to avoid speaking poorly of anyone, or naming names. You want to remain professional and trustworthy.
Answer Example
"In a previous role I was asked to fabricate some numbers for a stakeholder meeting. As an accountant that is entirely against my code. I expressed my disinterest in doing so, but remained professional, hoping that I had somehow misinterpreted the ask. I left the organization shortly after. It's important to me that I fully trust the company for which I am working."
Admin
"I was often asked to cancel and reschedule appointments on behalf of the executive who I supported. This request came to me often, and to the point where the executive appeared very unprofessional and disorganized. I did as I was asked, of course, but I also asked the executive at one point what I could do to support him better to avoid the reschedules."
Manager
"My reaction would depend on my reason for disagreeing, I suppose. If I were asked to do something illegal I would certainly not comply. If I were simply uncomfortable with the task, due to lack of knowledge, I would take the time to learn what I needed to, to deliver on expectations."
Marketing
"I will never sacrifice my integrity for the sake of a job but, at the same time, I realize that I may not always agree with the direction that my company is taking, and that is completely okay. Let's say that I receive direction from a client account that I do not particularly like. I will challenge the thought process appropriately while hoping to find a middle ground. I want to deliver work that I am proud of but also understand that I am not the owner of the company."
Retail
"I receive direction from my corporate head office quite often with which I do not necessarily agree. This instruction may include the new direction of a collection, merchandising suggestions, or the termination of an employee. I do my job well and do not make a fuss unless there is a good reason. In those instances, I ask the right questions and never make accusations. I seek to understand before concluding."
Sales
"Communication, in my opinion, drives the difference between a great negotiation and making a fool of yourself. I am wise enough to know that the leaders of my company have a good reason for their decisions. If I do not agree, I am perhaps misunderstanding. I always go for clarification first."
Teacher
"As an educator, it can be very frustrating to see decisions made based on money, and not necessarily in the best interest of your students. When these circumstances arise, I will naturally comply and then make the best of the situation in my classroom setting, where I may have more control."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I would suggest a different solution."
Rachelle's Feedback