Can you share an example of a difficult teamworking or leadership situation you have encountered and how you handled it?

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Can you share an example of a difficult teamworking or leadership situation you have encountered and how you handled it?
Sample answer to the question:
One difficult teamworking situation I encountered was when our interdisciplinary team had conflicting opinions on the best course of treatment for a patient. Some team members believed that aggressive treatments should be pursued while others advocated for a more palliative approach. To handle this situation, I organized a team meeting where everyone could share their perspectives and concerns. I facilitated a respectful and open discussion, allowing each team member to express their opinions. Through active listening and thoughtful dialogue, we were able to reach a consensus on a care plan that honored the patient's wishes while also addressing their medical needs.
Here is a more solid answer:
During a challenging teamworking situation, our interdisciplinary team was struggling to effectively communicate and collaborate. To address this issue, I took the initiative to organize regular team meetings where we could openly discuss our concerns and find solutions. I also implemented a shared online platform to improve communication and streamline workflow. In terms of leadership, I actively listened to each team member, encouraged their input, and facilitated consensus-building discussions. By fostering an environment of trust and respect, we were able to overcome our initial difficulties and improve our teamworking and collaboration.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides a more detailed explanation of the difficult teamworking situation and how the candidate handled it. It also demonstrates the candidate's skills in teamworking and leadership through actions such as organizing team meetings, implementing communication tools, and fostering a positive team environment. However, it could still provide more specific examples and outcomes to further showcase the candidate's abilities.
An example of a exceptional answer:
In a challenging teamworking situation, our interdisciplinary team was facing significant conflict and lack of cohesion. Recognizing the importance of effective leadership, I immediately took action by organizing a team retreat. During the retreat, we engaged in team-building exercises, facilitated discussions on conflict resolution and collaboration, and established clear communication guidelines. As a result, team members developed a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives and built stronger relationships. To sustain the positive changes, I implemented a monthly team feedback system and regularly scheduled mentoring sessions to support individual growth. This experience not only improved teamworking but also enhanced overall patient care outcomes and staff satisfaction.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by providing additional details and outcomes of the candidate's actions in the difficult teamworking situation. The candidate showcases exceptional leadership skills by taking initiative to organize a team retreat, facilitating discussions on conflict resolution and collaboration, and implementing long-term strategies for sustaining positive changes. The answer also highlights the impact of the candidate's actions on patient care outcomes and staff satisfaction. However, it could still benefit from more specific examples and measurable results.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past experiences where you encountered difficult teamworking or leadership situations and consider the actions you took to address them.
  • Develop a clear understanding of effective communication and conflict resolution strategies.
  • Familiarize yourself with relevant teamworking and leadership theories and models.
  • Practice sharing specific examples of difficult teamworking or leadership situations and how you handled them in a concise and confident manner during mock interviews.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • teamworking skills
  • leadership skills

Want content like this in your inbox?
Sign Up for our Newsletter

By clicking "Sign up" you consent and agree to Jobya's Terms & Privacy policies

Related Interview Questions