Sometimes we make decisions on our own and other times we require coming to a decision as a group. Having the capability to adapt your decision making skills to suit the issue is a desirable work skill. That is why, in several interviews, interviewers will inquire behavioral interview queries about your capability to adapt your decision making skills to different situations.

Interview Query: What decision do you make independently and what kinds of decision do you involve others? What decision making skills do you utilize to help you decide?

Answering this kind of behavioral query presents a few challenges.

First, you do not need to seem too dependent, nor do you need to seem too independent.

You also want to be particular with your answer and select an instance that shows a real decision making strategy.

Fortunately, you don’t have to discuss examples of this in practice unless you need to. You generally have to talk about the procedure you use to make these decisions.

Tips to Answer

“I find it an effective strategy to always engage others in the decision making procedure. I do this even when I do not consult with them personally. First I consider what outcome they require and what choices they would make. Then, I integrate that into my thought procedure.

For me, the most significant thing to do is to use facts and data when I am making an independent decision. When I’m part of a group decision I like to brainstorm and consult with others. This is particularly effective when I am looking for new ideas or strategies that will affect the company in a broader way.

I consider that it always helps to integrate the ideas of others and that provable information is the best tool available for decision making as a whole.”

The key is to be specific. Your answer requires highlighting that you can make decisions on your own but are also very team focused when you need to. Interviewers will then be able to victoriously imagine the ways that you can contribute to their workplace.