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Can you share a time when you had to work with a challenging team member? What steps did you take to address the situation?
The interviewer is interested in seeing how you handle working with challenging personalities, manage conflicts professionally, and keep a good working atmosphere.
- Highlight the importance of understanding and communication when dealing with difficult team members.
- Emphasize finding constructive solutions and maintaining professionalism.
- Explain how you managed to foster collaboration across multiple teams.
- Show your leadership skills in aligning team goals and resolving conflicts.
- Avoid speaking negatively about the difficult team member or blaming them entirely for the situation. Refrain from suggesting that you were unable to handle the situation or find a resolution.
Sample Answer 1
In one instance, I worked across multiple teams where a member from another team was consistently pushing back on our deadlines due to their conflicting priorities. Instead of escalating the issue immediately, I arranged a meeting involving both teams to discuss the challenges openly. This open dialogue helped us understand their constraints and adjust our project plans accordingly. We agreed on a revised timeline that considered both teams' priorities, which improved collaboration and trust. This experience taught me the value of empathy and communication in cross-team scenarios.
Sample Answer 2
I had an experience where a team member from another team was often not aligned with the project's goals, causing friction. To resolve this, I organized a series of collaborative workshops to define our objectives and ensure everyone was on the same page. By facilitating these sessions, I encouraged a culture of transparency and inclusion, which led to improved cooperation and the successful delivery of our project across all teams.