How to Answer: How do you adapt when you need to make last-minute changes to a training program?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Training and Development Manager job interview.
4. How do you adapt when you need to make last-minute changes to a training program?
How to Answer
As a Training and Development Manager, you will work closely with a company's greatest asset, which is their people! As you know, people require flexibility. When unexpected changes or events occur in an organization, you must be willing to pivot your training or materials to meet current needs.
Show the interviewer that you can embrace change. If possible, give an example of a time when you adapted and made last-minute changes to a program or session. Highlight the fact that you can stay positive and motivated while adapting.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"I adapt well in last-minute situations. Working with people means that there are no promises on how my day will go. This reality is one that I learned early on in my career. My job is about the programs that I develop, but it's also about responding in a humanistic manner to the people that I teach. Sometimes this approach means taking a new direction. For instance, last month, I was due to facilitate a training session on stress management in the workplace. The evening before, there was an unexpected death in the company. The team experienced a tough emotional blow. I changed the training session last minute to focus on grief, loss, and bereavement. I turned the session into a support group because it was more important to deal with the loss of a colleague and friend than it was to follow the schedule that I previously had in mind. The session was helpful, and it's what the team needed. The job of a Training and Development Manager is also about supporting people, which means that I need to meet them where their needs are, rather than always sticking to a plan. I must show that I can accommodate others, which sets a good example of authentic leadership."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 16th, 2021
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Working with people means that there are no promises on how my day will go. This reality is one that I learned early on in my career. My job is about the programs that I develop, but it's also about responding in a humanistic manner to the people that I teach. Sometimes this approach means taking a new direction. For instance, last month I had an agenda for a team meeting to discuss our next year's strategy but noticed morale seemed low as many were burnt out. I decided to switch gears to open dialogue about how they were feeling and focus on team bonding in that moment rather than an agenda. This allowed everyone to feel heard and receptive to discussing business plans."
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