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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.
- Emphasize your leadership skills in resolving team conflicts.
- Showcase your ability to foster a collaborative team environment.
- Demonstrate understanding and empathy towards diverse team members.
- Highlight your problem-solving approach to address team challenges.
- 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
During a major project, I encountered a situation where a team member was resistant to adopting a new technology that the rest of the team agreed upon. Instead of escalating the issue, I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand their concerns. I discovered that they were not confident in using the new technology and feared it would affect their performance. I organized a training session for the team and facilitated pair programming to support them. This not only boosted their confidence but also enhanced the team's adaptability and cohesion.
Sample Answer 2
As a tech lead, I had a situation where a team member frequently interrupted others during meetings, which disrupted the flow of communication. I addressed the issue by having a private conversation with them, explaining how it affected team dynamics. I encouraged them to let others finish their points and suggested taking notes to share their thoughts later. This approach led to more balanced discussions and improved the team's collaboration.
Sample Answer 3
In leading a cross-functional project, there was a conflict between two team members from different departments regarding priority of tasks. I held a mediation session to allow each person to express their viewpoint and worked together to prioritize tasks based on project goals. By focusing on common objectives, we were able to resolve the conflict and improve inter-departmental cooperation.