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Project Manager Mock Interview

Question 50 of 50 for our Project Manager Mock Interview

Project Manager was updated by on May 9th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 50 of 50

How do you handle it when one of your team members makes a mistake?

"There have definitely been times when I've had to talk to a team member about disappointing work behavior and/or an error that they made. I start by observing and gathering evidence myself so I can provide the individual with immediate feedback so they have the opportunity to fix the problem. If the issue persists, I request a private meeting where I aim to be respectful and professional; I never want someone to feel falsely accused.

I listen and try my best to understand their perspective. Then I explain to them why I would like to see a change in their behavior or a fix made to correct their mistake. Together, keeping the focus on how we can best complete the project in a timely and outstanding manner for the client, we create a short-term action plan. This generally leads to a change in the person's behavior. If it doesn't, I approach their manager and we consider what course of action needs to be taken to remedy the problem. At all times, keeping the project on track and the customer happy is of the utmost priority."

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How to Answer: How do you handle it when one of your team members makes a mistake?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Project Manager job interview.

  • 50. How do you handle it when one of your team members makes a mistake?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      It's inevitable that people on the teams you are overseeing during a project will occasionally make mistakes. Sometimes they will be distracted or lack a good work ethic. The interviewer wants to know how you, as the project manager, will manage these kinds of situations when they arise.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 26th, 2023

      How to Answer

      Your answer should demonstrate that you are professional, tactful, respectful, and ethical. It should also convince your interviewer that you are able to address mistake-driven conflict while keeping the project on track and the client satisfied. Provide real-life examples if possible and describe your process for ensuring that your teammates learn from mistakes and take steps to avoid them in the future.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 26th, 2023

      Answer Example

      "There have definitely been times when I've had to talk to a team member about disappointing work behavior and/or an error that they made. I start by observing and gathering evidence myself so I can provide the individual with immediate feedback so they have the opportunity to fix the problem. If the issue persists, I request a private meeting where I aim to be respectful and professional; I never want someone to feel falsely accused.

      I listen and try my best to understand their perspective. Then I explain to them why I would like to see a change in their behavior or a fix made to correct their mistake. Together, keeping the focus on how we can best complete the project in a timely and outstanding manner for the client, we create a short-term action plan. This generally leads to a change in the person's behavior. If it doesn't, I approach their manager and we consider what course of action needs to be taken to remedy the problem. At all times, keeping the project on track and the customer happy is of the utmost priority."

      Written by Karrie Day on April 26th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Mistakes happen on projects, but it is important to understand why mistakes are made. Is it because instructions are unclear? Does the resource have the proper skill set? Is there a behavior problem? I would try to understand what the issue is and meet privately with the resource to try and understand the reasons why this mistake has been made. Sometimes we just make mistakes, we are human, it happens. Sometimes it is an issue with the Project tasks that need clarification, sometimes we need to take action to correct behavior. What really matters is that we approach this issue (with the resource in a private and professional manner."

      Amanda's Feedback

      Your response illustrates your expertise in drilling down to understand the root cause of a mistake and then mitigating it to ensure it isn't made again. It also shows your ability to lead with professionalism and care for others, which is important to building a thriving team.

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    About the Author

    Karrie Day

    I began my professional career as an IT Business Systems Analyst. I enjoyed the role, but I knew early on that I wanted to explore project management after moving through the analyst ranks. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to partner with several talented project managers while I was working to grow my own skill set. I learned a lot from them about how to approach strategic planning, communication, conflict resolution, and how to motivate various personality types to perform their best under pressure. I learned even more from their failures.

    It was clear that project management was as much an art as a science, and I eventually got my shot at taking everything I had observed over the years and blending it into my own style for steering projects and programs successfully. While project management was not my ultimate career goal, I greatly value my time managing projects. I have utilized the skills I worked to refine in project management in every position I have held since. For example, I use the communication, strategic thinking, and tactical planning skills I regularly leaned on as a project manager each time I work with one of my coaching clients.

    Whether working as a project manager is a career goal of yours, or you fell into it through circumstance, you’re in good company. Over 16 million professionals claim the title of project manager, and project management isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the number of project managers is expected to grow by 7% over the next 8 years according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics. According to the Project Management Institute, the global outlook is even more impressive boasting up to 33% growth through 2027. Regardless of the specific location, there will likely b a strong demand for project management skill sets in the years to come.

    As a coach and writer for MockQuestions, I want to help you successfully navigate your upcoming interview for a project manager position. While some project manager skills are specific to the industry, location, and types of projects involved, many skills and behavioral traits are universally applicable to project management roles. This article will help any project manager prepare for a successful interview, and I encourage you to check out all of our sets dedicated to project management listed below.

    Learn more about Karrie Day