How to Answer: Imagine that an individual on your team is experiencing burnout. How would you handle this situation?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Senior Project Manager job interview.
3. Imagine that an individual on your team is experiencing burnout. How would you handle this situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Burnout is a common issue that manifests itself during long projects or with stressed or bored team members. Interviewers ask this question to determine how a senior project manager would handle these sensitive situations.
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to demonstrate your understanding that burnout can happen for many reasons. A project manager should take steps that align with the cause of the burnout scenario.
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
Answer Example
"My approach depends on the individual, but there are a few key things I would do. First, I would bring the situation to light. I would ask the person how they are feeling and if there is anything I can do to support them. Sometimes all someone needs is to be heard and allowed to take a brief break to reenergize themself.
If the person feels burnt out because they have been working on the same thing for too long, I look for opportunities to shift work around on the team and let them take on a new challenge. Giving someone something fresh to focus on helps in many cases.
If they are burnt out due to stress, I work with them to get to the root of it. Sometimes we need support from additional resources, sometimes the person is not a good fit for the team, and sometimes they are ready to move on to another position. Depending on the cause, I work with them to develop a strategy to ensure their needs are supported and the team's needs are met simultaneously."
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
About the Author
As a former project manager, I genuinely appreciate the skills of talented professionals who take on the often challenging work of managing projects. Senior-level project managers have the responsibility for the success of large and complex bodies of work, and they rarely have direct authority over their teams. They have a wide range of skills including the advanced soft skills that can make the difference between smooth sailing and a perfect storm.
I had the good fortune early in my career to be led and supported by a manager who worked to help me grow my leadership and communication skills. Her approach was a mix of project management best practices and things she picked up from 'the school of keeping it real'. She taught me how to deliver information confidently. She gave me opportunities to lead through influence. She let me work out solutions to problems without jumping in to save me. Most importantly, she taught me the art of navigating difficult conversations and backed me up when I needed support.
Over time, my project management and leadership skills developed in a way that fostered a critical byproduct. My experience generated trust. My teammates and my clients trusted me to advocate for their needs. My management trusted me to keep things moving while offering the upward communication necessary for success in their own roles. My mentees trusted me to help them on their journeys. I gained a lot of valuable knowledge managing projects, but the ability to establish trust quickly was by far the most valuable skill I developed.
I know your interviewer is likely looking for similar attributes. They want to trust their senior project manager to navigate difficult situations with poise, empathy, and integrity. They want to trust that your teams will meet the objectives of your projects smoothly. They want to know that you are looking out for the best interests of your teammates and clients. They want a leader who can help to grow others.
I hope this Q&A set helps you to prepare for your interview in a way that helps inspire confidence in your skills and convince your interviewer that they can trust you to do an excellent job on behalf of their company. Want more? Be sure to check out the rest of the suggested MockQuestions sets dedicated to specific companies, industries, and related careers.
Learn more about Karrie Day