During your training as an Administrative Fellow, problems will arise frequently. When a major problem arises, what is your first reaction?
For perhaps the first time in your young career, Administrative Fellowship training will put you in front of real-world healthcare issues and you will be involved in the decision-making processes when these programs arise. Your interviewers want to know if your reactions to problems reflect maturity and professionalism. How you react will significantly determine how you fit with their existing leadership team.
"When a major problem arises, my first instinct is to take a step back, absorb all of the information I can and then formulate a plan for acting accordingly. Acting hastily has the real potential to further complicate an issue. In these situations, communication becomes vital and I would always look to keep lines of communication open with all ey stakeholders."
In the end, you ultimately want to portray that you act calmly to solve problems with a level head. The best way to convey this to your team of interviewers is to use a real-life problem-solving example from your past and walk through what the problem was and how you reacted to provide a great result.
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
Initially, I will take a step back and observe the problem for what it is. Listening and acting calmly is how I intend to find my way through the problem. Once I have recognized and understood the problem for what it is I will immediately begin planning a solution and communicating with those around me to find the best way through.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! The interviewer will appreciate that you plan to remain calm as you first assess the situation and gather information. Don't forget to mention your ability to look at a problem from multiple angles and to remind the interviewer that you are someone who can think outside the box. Finally, including an example here of a time when you successfully solved a problem will further strengthen your answer. Great job!
