Googleyness Question and Answer

Summary

In this video from PracticeInterviews.com, Jeff Hsieb addresses a common behavioral interview question: 'Tell me about a time you were asked to do something unethical.' He outlines a structured approach to answering such questions, emphasizing positivity, empathy, and the importance of one-on-one communication. Jeff provides a detailed example from his time at Facebook, where he navigated an unethical request by gathering team consensus, proposing alternatives, and engaging in open dialogue with leadership. The video concludes with insights on handling unethical situations and fostering stronger relationships through accountability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on Positivity: When answering questions about unethical situations, maintain a positive tone and assume good intentions from others.
• 🔍 Emphasize Empathy: Approach unethical situations with an understanding and empathetic mindset, considering the pressures others might be facing.
• 🤝 Prioritize One-on-One Conversations: Address unethical issues privately and directly with the person involved, preparing well for the discussion.
• 📝 Prepare with Data: Before confronting an unethical issue, gather relevant data and research to support your stance and present a well-reasoned argument.
• 💡 Highlight Solutions: Discuss not only the problem but also the solutions you proposed and implemented to resolve the unethical situation.
• 📈 Show Results: Share the outcomes of your actions, demonstrating how you successfully navigated the situation without compromising ethics.
• 🔄 Learn from Mistakes: If you've acted unethically in the past, reflect on the lessons learned and how you've grown from the experience.
• 🍀 Acknowledge Good Fortune: If you've never faced an unethical request, be honest about your fortunate position and offer alternative examples of conflict resolution.
• 📚 Use Repeatable Processes: Establish processes to prevent unethical situations from recurring, such as creating a discount policy for new clients.
• 📈 Power of Data and Options: The speaker's personal example emphasizes the effectiveness of using data and offering multiple options to address ethical dilemmas.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is how to handle a situation where you are asked to do something unethical, particularly in the context of a job interview or workplace scenario.

Who is Jeff Hsieb and what is his recommendation for approaching unethical situations?

Jeff Hsieb is from practiceinterviews.com, and he recommends focusing on positivity, understanding the situation with a positive intent, showing empathy, and addressing the issue in a one-on-one setting with proper preparation.

What is the significance of focusing on 'positive intent' when dealing with unethical requests?

Focusing on 'positive intent' means considering that the person making the unethical request might be trying to achieve a goal but has lost sight of ethical boundaries. This approach helps maintain a constructive dialogue and fosters understanding.

Why is empathy important when discussing unethical situations?

Empathy is important because it allows you to consider the pressures and challenges the person making the unethical request might be facing, which can lead to a more compassionate and effective resolution.

What does Jeff suggest doing before engaging in a one-on-one meeting about an unethical issue?

Jeff suggests doing some preparation work before the meeting, such as researching, gathering data, organizing that data, and possibly speaking with others to gather information that will help present your point of view.

How should you initiate the meeting when discussing an unethical issue?

You should initiate the meeting by asking open-ended questions, empathizing with the person's situation, and then transitioning into a discussion about the unethical issue and the data or options you have prepared.

What should be the focus when discussing solutions to an unethical request?

The focus should be on clearly communicating the solutions you propose, how you worked through those solutions, and the results of implementing those solutions without resorting to unethical behavior.

What does Jeff mean by 'repeatable process' in the context of dealing with unethical situations?

A 'repeatable process' refers to a systematic approach or policy that can be put in place to prevent or address similar unethical situations in the future, ensuring that the resolution is not a one-time fix but a sustainable solution.

Why are 'learnings' an important part of answering a behavioral question about unethical situations?

'Learnings' are important because they demonstrate personal growth and the ability to apply past experiences to future scenarios, showing that you have reflected on the situation and gained valuable insights.

What should you do if you have never been asked to do something unethical in your career?

If you have never been asked to do something unethical, you should honestly state this to the interviewer and offer to discuss other relevant experiences, such as dealing with business directives you disagreed with or conflict resolution scenarios.

Can you provide an example of how to handle an unethical request as described in the video?

In the video, Jeff provides an example from his time at Facebook where he and his team were asked to push client payments into a different month to hit targets. He discusses how he and his team agreed on the unethical nature of the request, brainstormed solutions, and had a one-on-one meeting with their lead to propose alternatives, which ultimately led to a stronger team relationship and a repeatable discount process for new clients.