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LexisNexis·Software Engineer·Onsite - Behavioral / Leadership·Senior

SeniorPrefer not to say
Jul 2026

Summary

Behavioral interview at LexisNexis that leaned hard into executive communication and how you handle delivering bad news upward. One question, but it had a lot of layers to it.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Tell me about a time you had to deliver bad news about a project to senior leadership. How did the meeting go, and what would you change looking back?

Stakeholder ManagementCross-functional AlignmentAdaptability & Ambiguity
Author's notes

The two-part structure tripped me up a bit.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Choose a specific project where you had to inform senior leadership about a delay, failure, or risk. Use the STAR method to describe the situation, your preparation, the meeting itself, and the outcome. Conclude with a clear reflection on what you learned and would do differently, emphasizing ownership and growth.

Pro tip: Show that you controlled the narrative by presenting a solution or mitigation plan alongside the bad news, and demonstrate that you turned the experience into a process improvement.

1. Set the Context

Briefly describe the project, your role, and why delivering bad news was necessary. Highlight the stakes for the business or stakeholders.

2. Explain Your Preparation

Detail how you gathered data, assessed impact, and prepared a clear, concise message. Mention if you consulted with your manager or peers to align.

3. Describe the Meeting

Summarize how you presented the news, the reaction from leadership, and how you facilitated discussion. Focus on your communication style and composure.

4. Share the Outcome

Explain what happened next: decisions made, adjustments to the plan, and how you followed up. Emphasize any positive results or lessons applied.

5. Reflect and Improve

Discuss what you would change looking back, such as earlier communication, better data, or a different framing. Show self-awareness and commitment to growth.

Key Points to Mention

  • Transparency and honesty when communicating with leadership
  • Preparation: having data, impact analysis, and a mitigation plan ready
  • Stakeholder management: understanding leadership's priorities and concerns
  • Adaptability: adjusting your approach based on feedback or new information
  • Ownership: taking responsibility for the situation without blaming others
  • Continuous improvement: implementing changes to prevent similar issues or improve communication

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.