Have you ever managed a key account initiative that failed? What lessons did you take away from the experience?
Key account managers often have to manage sensitive relationships and juggle multiple stakeholders’ needs. Even with the best planning and execution, things can still go wrong. This question allows the interviewer to assess your ability to take responsibility for mistakes and learn from them. It also shows that you’re open to giving honest answers when challenged.
How to Answer It : You should be prepared to talk about a time when you’ve managed an initiative that didn’t go as planned. Start by talking through the initiative and what went wrong, then explain how you took responsibility for your part in it. Then, discuss any lessons you learned from the experience and how you applied them to future initiatives. Finally, end with how you would approach similar projects differently in the future.
Example Answer : “I recently managed a key account initiative that didn’t have the desired outcome. We had planned to launch a new product line to a key account, but the launch was delayed due to a number of factors. I took responsibility for the delay, and identified the areas where I could have done better. From this experience, I learned the importance of clear communication and thorough planning. I now make sure to build in extra time for unexpected delays and communicate any changes to the team as soon as possible. I also ensure that I’m constantly assessing the progress of projects and addressing any issues that may arise.
