Describe presenting a great idea to management but didn't get a buy-in

A common interview question is, “Talk about a time you presented a great idea to management but there wasn’t a buy-in. What was your next move? Did you change their minds?” This question assesses your resilience, persuasion skills, and how you handle rejection or disagreement. Here’s how to effectively answer this question.

Why Interviewers Ask This Question

1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from rejection and continue to contribute positively.
2. Persuasion Skills: Your capacity to effectively persuade others and present ideas.
3. Handling Disagreement: How you deal with and respond to differing opinions or decisions.

How to Answer the Question

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Select a Relevant Incident: Choose a situation where you proposed an idea that was initially not accepted.
2. Describe the Idea: Explain the idea you presented and why you believed it was valuable.
3. Explain the Lack of Buy-In: Share why management didn’t initially agree with or accept your idea.
4. Detail Your Response: Discuss what steps you took next, whether you tried to change their minds, or how you moved forward.
5. Reflect on the Outcome: Conclude with what you learned from the experience, regardless of whether you were ultimately successful in persuading management.

Example Answers

Example 1: I once proposed a new customer feedback system to improve our service. Management was hesitant due to budget concerns. I didn’t push further but instead gathered more data over several months to demonstrate the potential ROI. Eventually, they saw the value and implemented the system, which greatly improved customer satisfaction.

Example 2: In my previous role, I suggested a shift in marketing strategy that was initially rejected. I respected the decision but continued to informally share market trends and insights with my managers. While my specific strategy wasn’t adopted, it opened the door to a broader discussion on our marketing approach.

Takeaway Messages

• Demonstrate Resilience: Show that you can handle rejection constructively and maintain a positive attitude.
• Highlight Communication Skills: Illustrate your ability to communicate ideas effectively and respect decisions.
• Emphasize Adaptability: Discuss how you adapt to situations when things don’t go as planned and continue to contribute.

Effectively answering this question can demonstrate your maturity, creativity, and value as a team member who can positively influence and adapt to different situations.