Tell me about a time when you encountered resistance from employees while implementing compliance procedures. How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

A more solid answer

During my time as a Compliance Auditor at my previous company, I encountered resistance from employees while implementing new compliance procedures. One specific instance that comes to mind is when we introduced a new system for tracking compliance documentation. Some employees were hesitant to adapt to the new system and expressed concerns about the additional workload and potential difficulties in navigating the software. To address this resistance, I organized a series of training sessions to familiarize employees with the new system and its benefits. I also facilitated open discussions to address their concerns and actively listened to their feedback. Additionally, I worked closely with the IT department to customize the software interface and streamline the processes, addressing the employees' concerns about difficulty in navigation. By emphasizing the importance of compliance and highlighting the efficiency gains of the new system, I was able to overcome the resistance and successfully implement the procedures. As a result, compliance documentation became more accurate and easily accessible, saving both time and resources for the organization.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing additional details about how the candidate addressed the resistance from employees. It demonstrates excellent communication skills by mentioning the organization of training sessions and open discussions. The candidate also showcases their ability to work independently by collaborating with the IT department to customize the software interface. Additionally, the answer highlights the candidate's outstanding organizational and planning skills by mentioning the improved efficiency of compliance documentation.

An exceptional answer

During my time as a Compliance Auditor at my previous company, I encountered resistance from employees while implementing new compliance procedures. One specific instance that comes to mind is when we introduced a new system for tracking compliance documentation. Some employees were hesitant to adapt to the new system and expressed concerns about the additional workload and potential difficulties in navigating the software. To address this resistance, I took a multifaceted approach. Firstly, I organized a detailed training program that included both hands-on workshops and comprehensive documentation outlining the step-by-step process of using the new system. Additionally, I assigned a dedicated support team to provide personalized assistance to employees during the initial transition period. To address the concerns about workload, I collaborated with department managers to identify and streamline redundant tasks, freeing up time and alleviating the burden. Moreover, I conducted regular feedback sessions to understand any ongoing challenges and implemented necessary improvements. By consistently emphasizing the importance of compliance and showcasing the benefits of the new system, I was able to gradually shift the employees' mindset and gain their cooperation. Ultimately, we successfully implemented the procedures, resulting in improved accuracy of compliance documentation and increased efficiency across the organization.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed response to the question. It showcases the candidate's excellent communication skills by describing the organization of a detailed training program and regular feedback sessions. The answer also demonstrates the candidate's ability to work independently by collaborating with department managers to streamline tasks. Additionally, the candidate highlights their outstanding organizational and planning skills by assigning a dedicated support team and implementing necessary improvements based on ongoing challenges. The exceptional answer thoroughly addresses the resistance from employees and provides a clear outcome of successful implementation.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you encountered resistance from employees while implementing procedures and think about the strategies you used to overcome it.
Highlight your communication skills by mentioning examples of successfully conveying the importance and benefits of compliance procedures to employees.
Demonstrate your ability to work independently by discussing instances where you took initiative to address resistance and collaborate with relevant teams or departments.
Emphasize your organizational and planning skills by mentioning examples of creating structured training programs and implementing improvements based on ongoing feedback.

What interviewers are evaluating

Excellent communication skills
Ability to work independently with little supervision
Outstanding organizational and planning skills