How to Answer Google’s “Unpopular Opinion” Googleyness & Leadership Question

Oftentimes being a good leader will require you to take a stand, even when it’s not the popular choice. It’s about stating an opinion that is rooted in data, fostering meaningful conversations, running rigorous tests and executing a thoughtful plan. And doing all these items while maintaining both positivity and a collaborative spirit.

This is why, in Google’s Googleyness and Leadership interview, candidates are sometimes asked to share an experience where they had to take a stance/make a decision that was unpopular. And this type of question is not unique to just Google, this is a relatively common behavioral leadership question.

In this blog post, I will break down what a good sample response would be to this exact question: "Tell me about a time you voiced an unpopular opinion at work. What was the situation, and how did you approach it?"

The Situation

I was working as a Supply Chain Manager at Pinnacle Manufacturing, a mid-sized company specializing in industrial equipment. For over five years, we relied on the same supplier for a critical component. While the relationship was strong, lead times and costs had steadily increased, putting pressure on our operations team. Leadership, however, was resistant to change, citing risks associated with switching suppliers.

The Task

I was assigned to review our supplier agreements and recommend ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs within a tight six-week deadline.

The Actions

Here’s how I approached the challenge step by step:

Data-Driven Analysis
I began by analyzing three years of supplier performance data including lead times, defect rates, and cost trends by using our ERP system and supply chain analytics tools. I benchmarked these metrics against industry standards highlighting significant inefficiencies.

Preliminary Planning
I created a detailed plan to explore alternative suppliers, focusing on quality, reliability and cost. I also outlined potential risks of switching suppliers, such as production delays and impacts on existing relationships.

Stakeholder Engagement
I met with the procurement team, Production Managers and leadership to present my findings. Though there was initial resistance, I focused on the long-term benefits of diversifying our supplier base.

Testing Alternatives
I coordinated a trial phase, sourcing small batches of components from two alternative suppliers. Collaborating with our quality assurance team, I ensured rigorous testing to maintain product standards.

Execution and Collaboration
During production trials, I monitored feedback, adjusted workflows and held regular meetings with stakeholders to manage risks. Project management tools kept everyone aligned on progress and objectives.

Pilot Program
After successful trials, we launched a pilot program with a new supplier, sourcing 20% of our components to test their integration into our supply chain.

Presentation of Results
I shared the pilot’s results with leadership, using visuals to demonstrate cost savings and improved lead times.

Documentation for Scalability
I documented the entire process from analysis to implementation to establish a scalable framework for future supplier evaluations.

The Results

By advocating for change, we successfully diversified our supplier base, reducing dependency on a single supplier. And his led to a:

15% reduction in component costs

20% improvement in lead times

The new approach not only improved our bottom line but also strengthened our supply chain resilience, enabling us to respond swiftly to market changes.

What Makes This Answer Strong?

Positivity: It frames the decision as a necessary improvement for the organization.

Data-Driven Approach: Every step is backed by analysis, reinforcing credibility.

Collaboration: Engaging stakeholders shows teamwork, even with resistance.

Execution Excellence: Highlighting testing and execution demonstrates a thorough approach to problem solving.

Key Takeaways for Your Interview

When preparing your own examples, focus on:

• A situation where you took a stand for what you believed was best for the organization.
• How you used data to build your case.
• The collaborative steps you took to drive change.
• How you balanced confidence and optimism.

The ability to voice an unpopular opinion while staying positive and team-oriented is what sets apart exceptional leaders at any company.

Prepare, practice and approach your interviews with confidence and positivity. You’ve got this!

For more resources visit my website - Practice Interviews and check out our AI Practice Interview App.