Question: When implementing workplace changes, what is your approach to dealing with the phrase “that’s how things are done around here”?

Alternative Question Phrasing:

How do you react to the standard “this is how we do things” response to a request for change?

Follow-up questions:

How or why do you think your approach will work?
What would you say in response?
How would you try to understand the other side?
How will you convince them that change is necessary?
How will you compromise on the change?

Question Details:

Question Type:

Situational

Skills:

Basic – Active Listening,Basic – Speaking,Social – Negotiation,Social – Persuasion,Social – Rapport Buiding/Relating and Connecting with others,Social – Social Perceptiveness

Abilities:

Cognitive – Category Flexibility (Mental Flexibility),Cognitive – Fluency of Ideas (Idea Generation Frequency),Cognitive – Oral Comprehension,Cognitive – Oral Expression

Other Factors:

Big 5 – Agreeableness,Big 5 – Neuroticism (Emotion Regulation),Practical Intelligence (Street Smarts)

Work Activity (Task):

Interacting with Others – Assigning Tasks to Others (Delegation and Direction),Interacting with Others – Change Management,Interacting with Others – Coaching and Developing Others,Interacting with Others – Developing and Building Teams,Interacting with Others – Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (Conflict Management),Interacting with Others – Selling or Influencing Others

Work Context (Person-Job/Team/Org Fit):

Interpersonal Relationships – Coordinate or Lead Others,Interpersonal Relationships – Face-to-Face Discussions,Interpersonal Relationships – Work With Work Group or Team (As a member, not a leader)

Work Style (Person-Job Fit):

Adaptability/Flexibility,Assertiveness/Courage,Self Control

Question Frequency

Question Difficulty

What to look for in an answer:

Although this is a question about change management, you are looking for the interviewee’s ability to practically persuade others to take on changes.

Red Flags to Watch For:

If the interviewee would just give in to the demands of others in regards to taking on change, that is a red flag.

Sample Answer:

N/A

Question Source: https://resources.workable.com/interview-questions/