Give an example of when you turned around a failing project

Question

Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at Square/Block, your actions, and measurable outcomes.

Codemia · Accepted Answer

The interviewer is looking to assess your ability to manage and turn around a failing project. They want to evaluate your problem-solving skills, leadership capabilities, and how you navigate challenging situations. This question specifically targets your conflict resolution skills, decision-making in ambiguity, and your growth mindset, along with your ability to mentor and develop your team.

1. **Situation**: Briefly describe the failing project, including the context at Square/Block.  
2. **Task**: Outline your role and what was expected of you.  
3. **Action**: Detail the specific steps you took to address the issues, focusing on collaboration, decision-making, and conflict resolution.  
4. **Result**: Highlight the measurable outcomes of your actions, emphasizing the impact on the team and project.

In my previous role at Square, I was assigned to a project that aimed to integrate a new payment processing feature into our existing platform. Initially, the project was struggling due to unclear requirements and miscommunication among team members, resulting in missed deadlines and growing frustration.  
As the project lead, I recognized the need for immediate action. I organized a series of focused meetings with the team to openly discuss the pain points and gather feedback. I facilitated brainstorming sessions to clarify the requirements and set realistic milestones.  
By actively listening to my team and addressing their concerns, we developed a clear action plan that included weekly check-ins to track progress and adjust our approach as needed. This collaborative effort not only clarified our goals but also fostered a sense of ownership among the team members.  
As a result, we were able to deliver the payment processing feature two weeks ahead of the revised schedule, leading to a 15% increase in transaction efficiency. Additionally, the team reported a 25% increase in morale, as they felt more engaged and valued throughout the process.

The interviewer wants to hear a clear narrative that demonstrates your leadership and conflict resolution skills. Good responses will showcase your ability to identify problems, implement effective solutions, and achieve measurable outcomes. They will also highlight your emotional intelligence in handling team dynamics and your capacity for reflection on the lessons learned, showing how you apply these insights to future projects.

A common pitfall is providing vague or overly general responses that lack specific details about the project or your actions. Avoid blaming team members or external factors without taking accountability for your role in the turnaround. Additionally, failing to quantify the outcomes or neglecting to reflect on the lessons learned can weaken your answer, as it may not demonstrate your growth mindset or the tangible impact of your leadership.

Give an example of when you turned around a failing project

Square/Block

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Square/Block Product Manager Interview Guide

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