What sources do you look to when solving complicated problems?

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The interviewer wants to know that you can think outside the box or even ask for help when you are stuck on a complicated problem. Academic deans can encounter a wide range of challenging issues. The most common challenges include managing faculty and staff, navigating budget constraints, developing and implementing educational policies, fostering diversity and inclusion, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, academic deans must balance the needs of various stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators, while also maintaining the integrity and reputation of their institution. These tasks can be extremely demanding and require strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Maybe you look to a mentor or boss for advice. Perhaps you have handbooks, manuals, and systems you turn to for help. Or, you may opt for textbooks, online research, or colleagues to find the right solution. Show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable and equipped to handle these scenarios.

"If there's a complicated problem, I'll write out the possible solutions and note what my gut tells me to do. Then, I will weigh those potential solutions against one another and list the complications that may arise from each choice. Ultimately, I believe the key to solving complicated problems is to be open-minded, stay curious, and be willing to try new approaches until I find the solution that works best."

"When faced with a complicated problem, I will look to the resources my current school has provided me. The answer is almost always in there. If it's more of a moral than a knowledge-based dilemma, I will ask my mentor for his thoughts and opinion since I value his expertise in the education industry."

"I have a great cohort of professors and deans from my years in the education industry. If I am stuck on a problem or need additional help, I reach out to this group. If nothing else, they're there to lend an ear and let me bounce my ideas off them. I value this collaborative, supportive group I've amassed over the years."

Anonymous Answer

"I refer to the institutional policies and procedures and the experience of my colleagues. I have found that my fellow Deans and coworkers often have great ideas and strategies for overcoming complicated problems. I really enjoy sharing ideas and learning from my colleagues."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds as though you actively seek out learning opportunities from those around you, which is a factor that any interviewer should appreciate. Good enthusiasm in your answer!

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Anonymous Answer

"As a person who loves research, I draw upon several sources to solve problems. As a department chair, I look to students, faculty, and staff as my most important resource. I appreciate guidance from mentors with experience both inside and outside my institution. I look for information from others with more experience than me to help formulate solutions. I also believe in listening to "new voices" to shape decision-making."

Cindy's Feedback

Great. You could expand your answer by talking about a decision and illustrating how your sources helped bring you to the right solution.

Anonymous Answer

"I have a great cohort of professors, Deans, and former supervisors to include college presidents that when I am stuck on an issue I can reach out to them and they will listen and provide feedback. I value this collaborative group that I have amassed while working in this educational industry over my many years of work. And if that does not work, I engage my supervisor and other Deans of the institution for help."

Stephanie's Feedback

That's wonderful that you have such a strong network! It's clear that you feel well supported and have a lot of talented individuals in your network who can support you with problem-solving, when needed.

Anonymous Answer

"I've talked with fellow deans and my provost for advice. I've also consulted with my department chairs and associate deans."

Chad's Feedback

It is clear you are not afraid to ask for help when faced with a complex issue, and you have identified great sources to turn to for counsel. Nice job!

Anonymous Answer

"1) First, I will check the requirements and regulations of the college and the University and figure out how complicated is the problem.

2) I will seek help from the University resources like Title-IX

3) I will discuss and seek solutions from the university administration, the dean's advisory committee, and the department chairs.

4) I will seek solutions from Psychological groups if some mental issues are involved.

Anyway, I will handle it in a professional way to find good solutions rather than make things more complicated."

Chad's Feedback

Great answer! You have identified numerous sources you can utilize when you need to solve a problem, and the interviewer will be assured you are equipped to handle these types of scenarios when they arise. I provided an example below of how this answer may be delivered verbally in an interview setting.

"When I am faced with a difficult problem, I first check the requirements and regulations of the college and the university to determine how complicated the problem is. Once the scope of the problem is determined, I will look to the resources the university has provided, such as Title-IX. I also have a great network of support and will discuss and seek solutions from the university administration, the dean advisory committee, and the department chairs, as needed. If mental health issues are involved, I will seek solutions from psychological groups. I believe in handling all problems in a professional way to find good solutions, rather than making things more complicated."

How to Answer: What sources do you look to when solving complicated problems?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Academic Dean job interview.

15. What sources do you look to when solving complicated problems?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Written by Krista Wenz on June 9th, 2023

Entry Level Example

Written by Krista Wenz on June 9th, 2023

Answer Example

Written by Krista Wenz on June 9th, 2023

Experienced Example

Written by Krista Wenz on June 9th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds as though you actively seek out learning opportunities from those around you, which is a factor that any interviewer should appreciate. Good enthusiasm in your answer!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

Cindy's Feedback

Great. You could expand your answer by talking about a decision and illustrating how your sources helped bring you to the right solution.

Anonymous Answer

Stephanie's Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I've talked with fellow deans and my provost for advice. I've also consulted with my department chairs and associate deans."

Chad's Feedback

It is clear you are not afraid to ask for help when faced with a complex issue, and you have identified great sources to turn to for counsel. Nice job!

Anonymous Answer

Chad's Feedback

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