Question: Describe a time you when had to manage expectations regarding how fast you could get your work done?

Alternative Question Phrasing:

Describe an occasion when you had to give an explanation of what you could realistically deliver, and why was this issue important?
Tell us about a time you had to reason with someone over what work you could realistically deliver within a given time frame.

Follow-up questions:

What approach did you use to explain yourself or convince the other person?
How did you handle the other person?
How did the interaction go in the end?
Do you think the other person was happy with what happened in the end?

Question Details:

Question Type:

Behavioral

Skills:

Basic – Critical Thinking,Basic – Monitoring (Making observations of self and environment),Management of Time,Social – Negotiation,Social – Persuasion,Systems – Judgment and Decision Making

Abilities:

Cognitive – Problem Sensitivity (Problem Recognition)

Other Factors:

Big 5 – Agreeableness,Practical Intelligence (Street Smarts)

Work Activity (Task):

Interacting with Others – Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (Informing),Interacting with Others – Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (Conflict Management),Mental Processes – Judging the Value of Things, Services, or People,Mental Processes – Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

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

Interpersonal Relationships – Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People,Job Structure – Handling Time Pressure

Work Style (Person-Job Fit):

Adaptability/Flexibility,Analytical Thinking,Assertiveness/Courage,Cooperation,Dependability,Self Control

Question Frequency

Question Difficulty

What to look for in an answer:

Look for the interviewee’s ability to realistically understand their workload, their ability to manage the expectations of others regarding their workload, and the ability to negotiate a workable solution.

Red Flags to Watch For:

If the interviewee has poor expectation management skills and practical intelligence, it is a red flag.

Sample Answer:

N/A

Question Source: https://www.jobbankusa.com/interview_questions_answers/