The role of VP of Product is pivotal in shaping a company's product strategy and driving innovation. Authenticity, defined as the ability to lead with transparency, integrity, and a genuine commitment to one's values and the organization's mission, is paramount for success in this position. For a VP of Product, authenticity manifests in honest communication about product challenges, ethical decision-making in product development, and fostering a culture of openness and trust within teams.

Given the senior nature of this role, candidates are expected to have extensive experience in product management and leadership. The interview questions are designed to uncover how candidates have demonstrated authenticity in complex, real-world situations they've faced in their careers. We're looking for evidence of how they've navigated challenging decisions, communicated transparently with stakeholders, and stayed true to their values under pressure.

When evaluating candidates, focus on their ability to provide specific examples that showcase their authentic leadership style, how they've built trust with teams and stakeholders, and their approach to ethical product decisions. Look for signs of self-awareness, willingness to admit mistakes, and how they've learned and grown from challenging experiences.

For more insights on conducting effective interviews, check out our blog post on how to conduct a job interview.

Interview Questions for Assessing Authenticity in VP of Product Roles

Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult product decision that went against popular opinion or initial stakeholder preferences. How did you approach the situation authentically?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you communicate your decision to the team and stakeholders?
2. What were the main challenges you faced in staying true to your convictions?
3. How did this experience shape your approach to future decision-making?

Describe a situation where you had to deliver bad news or negative feedback about a product to your team or senior leadership. How did you handle it?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you prepare for this conversation?
2. What was the reaction, and how did you manage it?
3. In hindsight, would you have done anything differently?

Can you share an example of a time when you had to admit a mistake or failure in a product strategy? How did you approach this situation authentically?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience affect your team's trust in you?
2. What steps did you take to rectify the situation?
3. How has this experience influenced your leadership style?

Tell me about a time when you faced pressure to compromise your values or ethics in a product decision. How did you handle it?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. What were the main factors you considered in your decision?
2. How did you communicate your stance to those involved?
3. What was the long-term impact of your decision?

Describe a situation where you had to lead your team through a significant change or pivot in product strategy. How did you ensure authenticity throughout the process?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you address team members' concerns or resistance?
2. What challenges did you face in maintaining transparency during this process?
3. How did this experience shape your approach to change management?

Can you share an example of how you've fostered a culture of authenticity and openness within your product team?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. What specific practices or initiatives did you implement?
2. How did you measure the impact of these efforts?
3. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Tell me about a time when you had to balance being authentic with the need to maintain confidentiality or protect sensitive information.

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you decide what information to share and what to withhold?
2. How did you maintain trust with your team while keeping certain information confidential?
3. What would you do differently if faced with a similar situation in the future?

Describe a situation where you had to advocate for a product decision that was unpopular but aligned with the company's long-term vision. How did you approach this authentically?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you build support for your position?
2. What challenges did you face in communicating your vision?
3. How did this experience influence your approach to stakeholder management?

Can you share an example of how you've used authentic leadership to navigate a conflict or disagreement within your product team or with other departments?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you ensure all parties felt heard and respected?
2. What strategies did you use to find a resolution?
3. How did this experience impact team dynamics moving forward?

Tell me about a time when you had to make a tough call between two product features or directions. How did you ensure your decision-making process was authentic and transparent?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you involve your team in the decision-making process?
2. What data or insights did you use to inform your decision?
3. How did you communicate the rationale behind your final decision?

Describe a situation where you had to give credit to a team member or another department for a product success, even though it might have diminished your own visibility. How did you handle this authentically?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did this action impact team morale and collaboration?
2. What challenges, if any, did you face in making this decision?
3. How has this experience shaped your approach to recognizing team contributions?

Can you share an example of how you've maintained authenticity when dealing with external stakeholders or customers, especially in challenging situations?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you balance the needs of the stakeholder with those of your company?
2. What strategies did you use to maintain trust and credibility?
3. How has this experience influenced your approach to stakeholder management?

Tell me about a time when you had to lead your team through a product launch or update that didn't go as planned. How did you maintain authenticity throughout the process?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you communicate with your team and other stakeholders during this time?
2. What steps did you take to address the issues and maintain team morale?
3. How did this experience shape your approach to product launches and risk management?

Describe a situation where you had to push back against unrealistic expectations or demands from senior leadership regarding a product timeline or feature set. How did you approach this authentically?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you prepare for this conversation?
2. What data or evidence did you use to support your position?
3. How did this experience impact your relationship with senior leadership?

Can you share an example of how you've used your authentic leadership style to inspire and motivate your product team during a particularly challenging project or period?

Areas to Cover:

• Details of the situation
• Actions taken
• Decision-making process
• Support or help sought
• Results of the actions
• Lessons learned
• Application of lessons

Possible follow-up questions:

1. What specific strategies or techniques did you use to inspire your team?
2. How did you maintain your own motivation and authenticity during this time?
3. What was the impact on team performance and morale?

FAQ

Q: Why is authenticity important for a VP of Product?

A: Authenticity is crucial for a VP of Product because it builds trust with teams, stakeholders, and customers. It enables transparent communication, ethical decision-making, and creates a culture of openness that fosters innovation and collaboration.

Q: How can I assess a candidate's authenticity in an interview?

A: Look for specific examples of how candidates have demonstrated authenticity in challenging situations. Pay attention to their willingness to admit mistakes, how they've handled difficult conversations, and their approach to ethical dilemmas. Their ability to provide detailed, reflective answers is often a good indicator of authenticity.

Q: Should I expect candidates to have only positive outcomes in their examples?

A: No, it's important to hear about both successes and failures. Authentic leaders are able to reflect on and learn from their mistakes. Look for candidates who can openly discuss challenges they've faced and how they've grown from these experiences.

Q: How many of these questions should I ask in a single interview?

A: It's recommended to select 3-4 questions for a single interview. This allows for in-depth exploration of the candidate's experiences while leaving time for follow-up questions and the candidate's own questions.

Interested in a full interview guide for VP of Product with Authenticity as a key competency? Sign up for Yardstick and build it for free.