Describe a decision that you’ve regretted and how you overcame it
- Interview
- January 3, 2024
Understanding the Question
Interviewers ask this question, “Tell Me About a Decision That You’ve Regretted and How You Overcame It”, to gauge your self-awareness, ability to reflect on your actions, and your problem-solving skills. They are interested in your capacity to learn from mistakes and how you handle negative outcomes. It’s a way to assess your maturity, resilience, and adaptability in challenging situations.
How to Answer the Question
Step 1: Choose a Relevant Example
Select a decision from your professional past that you regret but which also provided a significant learning experience. Ensure it’s not a critical mistake but one that shows your capacity for growth.
Example: “In a previous role, I decided to implement a new software system without sufficient testing.”
Step 2: Describe the Decision
Explain the context behind the decision and why you made it. This provides insight into your thought process and decision-making criteria.
Example: “I was eager to improve our team’s efficiency, and the new software promised significant time savings.”
Step 3: Discuss the Negative Outcome
Detail the consequences of the decision. Be honest about the impact while maintaining a focus on the constructive aspects.
Example: “The software led to several technical issues, causing delays and frustration among the team.”
Step 4: Explain How You Overcame It
Share the steps you took to rectify the situation. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to take corrective action.
Example: “I acknowledged the issue to the team and management, reverted to our old system, and initiated a more thorough vetting process for future changes.”
Step 5: Reflect on What You Learned
Conclude by discussing the lessons learned from the experience and how it has influenced your future decisions.
Example: “This experience taught me the value of thorough testing and seeking team input before implementing significant changes.”
Takeaway Messages
- Learning from Mistakes: Emphasize your ability to learn from your decisions, even when they don’t go as planned.
- Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your capability to rectify mistakes and mitigate their impact.
- Accountability: Show that you can take responsibility for your actions.
- Adaptability: Illustrate your capacity to adapt and improve from challenging experiences.
- Thoughtful Decision-Making: Highlight how the experience has refined your approach to making decisions.
This question allows you to showcase your growth mindset, proving that you can turn even regrettable decisions into opportunities for personal and professional development.
