Present stakeholders with options and trade-offs, not just the problem. "We can do A with reduced scope, B with a delayed timeline, or C with additional resources."
Strong answers: assess the impact on timeline and deliverables, identify alternatives (redistribute work, bring in contractors, reduce scope), communicate the impact transparently to stakeholders, negotiate for replacement resources or timeline extension, and document the decision and its rationale.
Tests problem-solving and communication under pressure. Weak candidates panic or accept the situation passively. Strong candidates present options and facilitate a decision.