Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult coworker. How did you handle the situation?

Sample answer to the question

I once had a coworker who was consistently negative and difficult to work with. It was challenging to collaborate and get things done effectively. However, I addressed the situation by first trying to understand the root cause of their behavior. I approached them privately to express my concerns and asked if there was anything bothering them. This opened up a line of communication and allowed us to discuss our differences openly. I actively listened to their perspective and tried to find common ground. We agreed to focus on our mutual goals and work towards them together. I also suggested implementing a regular check-in or feedback session to address any issues before they escalated. This approach helped diffuse the tension and create a more positive working relationship.

A more solid answer

In a previous role, I encountered a difficult coworker who constantly disagreed with my ideas and attempted to undermine my authority. To handle the situation, I first took the time to understand their perspective and why they were behaving this way. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our working relationship and address any misunderstandings. During the conversation, I actively listened to their concerns and provided reassurance that my intention was to collaborate and find common ground. I also highlighted the importance of working together as a team to achieve our shared goals. To improve communication and minimize misunderstandings, I suggested implementing a weekly team meeting where everyone could openly share their opinions and ideas. This not only helped us resolve our differences but also fostered a more positive and productive work environment.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific details about the difficult coworker situation and how it was handled. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle conflict, address misunderstandings, and promote a positive working environment. However, it could further emphasize the candidate's leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.

An exceptional answer

During my time as a Brewmaster, I encountered a difficult coworker who consistently resisted change and was resistant to new ideas and processes. This behavior was impacting the efficiency and productivity of the team. To address the situation, I took a proactive approach. I scheduled a meeting with the coworker to understand their concerns and resistance to change. I discovered that the coworker felt overwhelmed by the new processes and believed it would impact their job security. To alleviate their concerns, I provided reassurance and clear explanations of how the changes would benefit both the team and the company. I also offered to provide additional training and support to help them adapt to the changes. By addressing their fears and empowering them, I was able to gain their support and cooperation. Moreover, I organized team-building activities to improve the overall dynamics and encourage collaboration. This not only improved the working relationship with the difficult coworker but also enhanced the team's overall performance and morale.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed response to the difficult coworker situation. It showcases the candidate's strong leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and ability to foster a positive and collaborative work environment. The candidate goes above and beyond by addressing the root causes of the coworker's behavior and implementing strategies to improve the overall team dynamics.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences when you had to deal with difficult coworkers and think about how you handled those situations.
Consider the specific skills listed in the job description, such as leadership and problem-solving abilities, and how you can demonstrate them in your response.
Prepare specific examples and anecdotes that highlight your ability to handle conflicts, address misunderstandings, and promote positive working relationships.
Practice active listening and empathy to show your ability to understand and address the concerns of difficult coworkers.
Think about strategies or techniques you can suggest to improve communication and collaboration within a team.
Highlight your ability to empower and motivate difficult coworkers to foster a more positive work environment.
Consider the potential impact of your actions on the overall team dynamics and performance.

What interviewers are evaluating

Leadership and team management
Problem-solving abilities
Communication and interpersonal skills