How do you manage dependencies on other teams that you do not control?

What the interviewer wants to hear

• Identify dependencies early and map them in the plan
• Agree owners, dates and interfaces with the other team
• Build relationships and regular check-ins
• Have contingency plans and escalate early when needed

Model answer

I identify dependencies early in planning and show them clearly in the schedule and risk register. For each one I meet the other team to agree what exactly we need, by when and who owns it, and I confirm it in writing. I try to understand their priorities too, because our need may not be their top priority. I build a good relationship with their lead and set regular short check-ins. Where possible I reduce the dependency, for example by agreeing an interface early so my team can work with a mock version. I also prepare a contingency in case it slips. If a date is at risk, I escalate early and calmly through the agreed route, with facts about the impact, rather than waiting until it is too late.

More medium Project Manager questions

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• How would you handle a team member who is underperforming?
• How do you estimate effort and timelines for a project?
• How do you deliver bad news, like a delay, to your sponsor?
• Explain earned value management and how you use it on a project.
• Walk me through how you run change control on a project.
• How do you decide which contract type to use with a vendor?
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