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160 COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Action: There was nothing I could do to expedite the situation. This

was a Buena Vista internal problem that I had no way of controlling. However,
I met with the executives and offered to waive the lateness surcharge.

Result: After several months’ delay, this $20 million project was un-

derway and within budgetary requirements.

Question 172. Recall a time when you avoided getting involved in of-

fice politics.

Situation: Two associates applied for a management position that

opened up at The Times. Michael, who had vast more experience, was
chosen to head the team. Unfortunately, Tom, who had a solid track record
as well, became resentful. Both of them would snap at each other at the
merest opportunity. In addition, each spoke negatively about one another
to others. Just about everyone in the department was forced to choose
a side.

Action: I decided to not participate in the politicking. I was hired to

manage accounts, not to fan the flames of an office dispute.

Result: I do not know how Michael and Tom resolved their differ-

ences. However, after a few months, the situation dissipated.

Question 173. Tell me about a time when you worked with someone

who had a delicate ego.

Situation: I worked with an older gentleman who believed he was

facing age discrimination. Whenever he was passed over for a promotion, or
not assigned a challenging project, he became upset. It got to the point that
when I, or anyone for that matter, did not fall in love with one of his ideas, he
would get belligerent.

Action: To make him feel valued and respected, I befriended him. We

went to lunch together a few times, and I made a point of asking about his
grandchildren, whom he adored.

Result: Over time his hard shell softened. He came to realize

that whatever problem management had with him, I did not share those
sentiments.

American Management Association
www.amanet.org