Do you consider yourself a quick thinker? Tell me about a time your quick thinking saved the day.
The interviewer wants to know if you consider yourself alert and agile, ready to solve problems actively. The goal of your response is to provide the interviewer with evidence of your ability to think quickly and jump into action when a situation calls for a speedy solution.
"I consider myself a quick thinker because I can process information quickly while reverse engineering a problem, getting straight to a few potential solutions. I'm not particularly eager to dwell on problems, so I have trained myself to focus on what I can do at the moment to solve a problem. One example of my quick thinking was when a customer called in to cancel their order. I am not in sales, but our sales rep was out for the day, and I was confident that I could save the customer's loyalty. I started a conversation with the customer and asked what we could have done differently. I smoothed over the miscommunication through a series of questions and getting to know the core of their grievance. My quick thinking stopped the client from taking their business to our competitor, ensuring that we retained their valuable account."
"Yes, I consider myself to be a quick thinker. However, this is a trait that I have actively worked to improve. For instance, I recently read the book Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell. This book introduced me to many amazing techniques to boost my ability to think quickly. Last week, I encountered a challenging situation where I had three assignments due on the same day as a final exam. The methods I learned in Gladwell's book saved the day. As I studied for my final exam, I utilized my newfound mental processes to think rapidly and categorize the most important data. This approach allowed me to absorb my learnings while ensuring that I maintained a productive balance between tasks and the information that I stored."
Avoid giving a vague response that fails to provide a memorable example of your ability to think and respond to challenges nimbly. For instance, instead of just saying, 'Yes, I do consider myself a quick thinker,' you could say, 'Yes, I do consider myself a quick thinker. Just last week, I...' Then, tell a story that provides evidence of your acuteness in the workplace.
Someone who is a quick thinker will:
- Rapidly pick up on new ideas
- Be fast and feel more natural to train
- Be able to process large amounts of information more rapidly than most
- Look at potential solutions rather than dwell on problems or roadblocks
Take some time to consider if these traits describe you. Then, think of a time you showcased your ability to think on the spot. Play the role of a storyteller when you respond. Take the interviewer through the situation, your actions, and the positive impact of your solution. This approach will help the interviewer picture you succeeding in the hiring company's environment.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
During an assessment of a patient, I knew something was off. He looked altered and much worse than the day before. A doctor urged me to transfuse him and did not come by to even assess the patient. I knew this was something more, so I elevated it to my charge nurse. We ultimately got a specialized doctor to assess the patient, who determined that the patient needed emergency surgery.
Rachelle's Feedback
Wow- your diligence and observance likely saved a life. This is a very important example of your quick thinking. Are you aware of the outcome for this patient? If so, it may be nice to discuss the final result as well.
Anonymous Answer
When I was a mentor in a juvenile detention center I constantly had to be on my toes in order to handle groups of 15 kids. One time we were doing an activity that was planned for the day but none of the kids were getting into it. I quickly changed the game to one that was more high energy and everyone responded well. This shows that I am able to not only think on my feet but read a room of people I am unfamiliar with.
Stephanie's Feedback
This response is an excellent example of how you used quick thinking to save the day; the specific example you provided is great.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, I am a quick thinker. I recently wanted to plan a speaker meeting, I was covering a new indication I had been trained on. I had 2 different colleagues suggesting to me two different speakers which were causing a rift between the team. One wanted to use a speaker that we had already used, but the other colleague thought he was good enough. My other colleague wanted to use a speaker that was from out of the territory. To solve the problem I suggested a speaker from the same ICS that I know is good at delivering the value message that both colleagues were happy with.
Stephanie's Feedback
You do a great job of highlighting a specific example of how your quick thinking and creativity show up in your work. To strengthen this response, I suggest adding a sentence or two that really shows the outcome or impacts of this quick thinking (did the speaker you suggested facilitate? What was that outcome?)
Anonymous Answer
Oh Yes, I consider myself a quick thinker, I can process information quickly, come straight to a few potential solutions. I normally use simple problem-solving techniques like PRIDE (Problem definition, Rationale, Investigate, develop, Ensure to sustain) in case this required a structural solution.
We were working on a very confidential project i.e. Transfer of RF-Coils manufacturing from ____ to ___. This project impacted more than 250 employees on-site in GNV, FL.
I was 2 years old in the system as director of operations. I was the only person involved in creating a business case and we need to take a decision to block funds for Manufacturing Zig and Fixtures. I think quickly, refer asset register, find out the value, consider 60% new assets and 40% will use the same on new site and arrived 3.65M.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! This answer is very thorough. Your example shows how you were able to think quickly. Be sure to emphasize how your decision positively impacted the company.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, I believe I can think effectively when under pressure to try and solve problems or to complete a task. For example, we switched our wholesaler supplier and had some teething problems and one of my hospitals called me and said they couldn't order any tins of our thickener and the hospital was down to their last 3 tins and it was a Friday. I got straight on to the wholesaler for an emergency few cases to be delivered the following morning even though it was a weekend, averting the crisis of no thickener left, and this support for the customer calmed them down. And found out who I need to speak to in purchasing and supported in the setting up the account with the new supplier.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! This is an excellent example to cite. Just be sure to explain the particulars so the interviewer understands the products you were selling and what the issue was (it's all commonplace for you but remember that they don't know much about your current company or position).
Anonymous Answer
I consider myself a very quick thinker because I can usually see the big picture and put all the puzzle pieces in place very fast as long as I understand the process. In my case, this is usually a customer wanting a special deal or a refund on a service. Zionsville is a small town and to maintain good service everything must be consistent because the word will get out. Thinking out of the box to keep a customer or obtain a new customer is done on a regular basis. My latest example is when a client of another trainer paid for 10 sessions and wasn't happy after the first session and wanted a refund (we can't give refunds to one and not another and if we gave refunds we'd go broke). I validated their issue without throwing the trainer under the bus, discussed why she wanted training in the first place, and told her weight loss is my expertise. I currently do not take new clients but I would make an exception for her. However I charge 10/hour more for my expertise and I am glad to credit the amount of 1 session to 10, session package with me if she wanted. She chose to work with me.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is a great example, but I suggest taking it one step further. What was the outcome of this client choosing to with you? Did she achieve her desired results?
Anonymous Answer
I tend to be analytical, then quick thinking when identifying strong solutions to a challenge. I am however able to jump into action and think clearly when a situation arises. One of my strengths is resourcefulness and thinking outside the box. Two years ago I was leading some tool development projects that were ahead of schedule. At that same time, I learned that a production line was down in one of our manufacturing plants because of tooling, and replacement parts were not available for over a week. I recognized that the prototype tooling for my project was similar to production tooling and could be easily modified for use in production. I also happened to be traveling to the manufacturing site the next day. I contacted our machine shop and asked that they prioritize the tool modification, then informed management in the plant. I was able to hand-deliver production tooling the next day. This effort prevented the machine from being down for an entire week. (about 1.2 Million)
Stephanie's Feedback
This is a great example of quick thinking and excellent problem-solving skills!
Anonymous Answer
I would consider myself a quick thinker. In one of the presentations I had to do in my current job, the monitor screen in the presenting room was not working. So I was not able to show my presentation content and data graphs or chart. I then noticed there was a whiteboard. I quickly drew up a simple bar chart and line graphs to help with the content. Due to already having a really good understanding of the presentation content, I didn't use the slides but I was able to present effectively.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! This is an effective response because you clearly show through an example that you're a quick thinker (as well as a great presenter who knows their stuff!) Any interviewer will be impressed by this answer. Great job!
Unlock all 30 Gallup questions
Unlock expert responses for strengths-based and competency-focused Gallup interviews.
Get Started