Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult team member. How did you handle the situation?

Development Director Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

I once had to deal with a difficult team member in a previous job. This person consistently missed deadlines and had a negative attitude towards the project. To handle the situation, I first tried to understand their perspective by having a one-on-one conversation to address their concerns and offer support. I then set clear expectations and deadlines for the team member, emphasizing the importance of their contribution. I also encouraged open communication and offered assistance whenever needed. While there were still some challenges, overall, the team member became more motivated and productive, and we were able to complete the project successfully.

A more solid answer

In a previous job, I had to deal with a difficult team member who consistently missed deadlines and had a negative attitude towards the project. To address the situation, I first scheduled a one-on-one meeting with the team member to understand their concerns and frustrations. I actively listened and validated their feelings while also emphasizing the importance of meeting deadlines and maintaining a positive attitude. I offered my support and provided resources to help them overcome any challenges. Additionally, I organized regular team meetings to encourage open communication and collaboration, allowing team members to share their progress and challenges. By setting clear expectations and providing ongoing support, the team member gradually improved their performance and attitude. As a result, they started meeting deadlines, and their contributions became more valuable to the project. Ultimately, we were able to complete the project successfully, and the team member's growth and development were recognized by the team.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing specific examples, details, and outcomes of the candidate's approach in dealing with a difficult team member. It demonstrates effective project management skills, communication, and team collaboration. However, it could benefit from showcasing the candidate's understanding of fundraising strategies and donor relations, as mentioned in the job description.

An exceptional answer

In a previous role as a Development Coordinator, I encountered a challenging team member who consistently missed deadlines and had a negative attitude towards the project. To address the situation, I took a proactive approach by first conducting a private meeting with the team member. During the meeting, I expressed my concerns and listened attentively to their grievances to understand the underlying reasons behind their behavior. I discovered that the team member was overwhelmed with their workload and lacked clarity on the project objectives. To address these issues, I provided additional resources and worked with senior staff to clarify the project goals and expectations. I also offered to assist the team member in prioritizing their tasks and managing their time more effectively. Furthermore, I implemented a weekly progress tracking system to monitor the team member's performance and provide timely feedback. Through consistent communication, mentoring, and support, the team member gradually improved their productivity and engagement with the project. As a result, they started meeting their deadlines and contributed positively to the team's success. This experience taught me the importance of effective project management, open communication, and providing support to team members in order to overcome challenges.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by providing more specific details and showcasing the candidate's ability to handle a difficult team member in a proactive manner. It demonstrates strong project management skills, effective communication, and highlights the candidate's understanding of the importance of time management and research. Additionally, the answer reflects the candidate's ability to collaborate with senior staff and problem-solve in order to achieve the project goals. The answer also showcases the candidate's dedication to personal growth and learning from challenging situations.

How to prepare for this question

Think of a specific example when you had to deal with a difficult team member in the past. Consider the outcome and how the situation was resolved.
Reflect on your approach in addressing the team member's concerns and frustrations. How did you create a supportive and collaborative environment?
Consider how you effectively communicated expectations and provided resources to assist the team member in overcoming challenges.
Highlight your ability to adapt and problem-solve in challenging situations. How did you utilize project management principles to guide your actions?
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication in resolving conflicts and achieving project success.

What interviewers are evaluating

Project management
Communication
Team collaboration