One of the profits of being in power is that you get the authority to make decisions and others have to merely listen to you. One of the major weaknesses of not being in power is that to a some extent you have to do what you are ordered and told to you whether or not you consider it is the right thing to do.

When you apply for a job that does not have much rights and power, you may be inquired what you would do when you know a course of action is not beneficial for the company, but you are ordered to do it anyway.

How to Answer

Though the query may look like one of devotion, commitment and leadership, this is really more of a communication query. The best thing to do is elaborate how you will disagree with the course of action but that you would possibly do it anyway when guided.

Good Answer

“1^st, I would draft up my causes and reasons for disagreeing with the course of action, involving offering other alternative solutions and compelling them all up with research, if possible. I would either present this data in a meeting or through email relying on the factors of schedule. If my leader still guides me to go along with the plan, then I will do so, but at least my objections were pointed out and alternative solutions depicted. If possible, I will also get initiated on anything that can help fix the issue in case the strategy does perform as poorly as hoped.”

You are not in a situation to reject to do something your leader tells you to do. That is insubordination. You are in a position to at least elaborate your ideas and present other opportunities. So tell the employer that you will 1^st share your ideas with the leader, but that you also respect the chain of command in the company. Offering to initiate on alternative solutions or projects just in case is nice but not needed.

Take Away Interview Tips

• Give honor and respect to the position’s hierarchy.
• Share that you will elaborate your ideas and provide alternative solutions.