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

Sample answer to the question

I had a difficult team member at my previous job who was constantly missing deadlines and causing delays in our projects. To approach the situation, I first scheduled a one-on-one meeting with the team member to discuss their performance and understand any challenges they were facing. During the meeting, I provided clear expectations and deadlines, and asked for their commitment to meet them. I also offered support and resources to help them improve their performance. We agreed on a plan to track progress and set up regular check-ins to ensure accountability. By addressing the issue directly and offering support, we were able to improve the team member's performance and avoid further delays.

A more solid answer

At my previous job, I encountered a challenging situation with a team member who consistently missed deadlines and caused bottlenecks in our projects. To address this, I took a proactive approach by scheduling a one-on-one meeting with the team member. During the meeting, I actively listened to their concerns and challenges, and provided constructive feedback on their performance. I emphasized the importance of meeting deadlines and explained how their delays were impacting the team's overall productivity and success. Together, we identified the root causes of their performance issues, such as time management and workload allocation, and developed a plan to address them. I offered my support and resources, including time management tools and training opportunities, to help the team member improve their skills. We established a system for regular check-ins and progress tracking to ensure accountability. As a result, the team member showed significant improvement in meeting deadlines and our projects were completed smoothly without further delays.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This is a solid answer because it provides more specific details about the situation and the candidate's approach to handling a difficult team member. The candidate demonstrates leadership and team management capabilities by proactively addressing the issue and actively listening to the team member's concerns. They also show adaptability and problem-solving skills by identifying the root causes of the performance issues and developing a plan to address them. However, the answer could still be improved by mentioning any challenges faced during the process and discussing the impact of the candidate's actions on the overall team dynamics.

An exceptional answer

During my time as a Project Manager, I encountered a challenging situation with a team member who consistently missed deadlines and caused frustration among the rest of the team. To approach this situation, I took a multi-dimensional approach that focused on both individual improvement and team collaboration. First, I had a private conversation with the team member to understand their perspective and any underlying issues. I discovered that they were overwhelmed with their workload and lacked necessary time management skills. In response, I worked closely with them to create a personalized development plan that included time management training, task prioritization techniques, and regular check-ins. Additionally, I facilitated a team meeting where we openly discussed the impact of missed deadlines on the overall project and how it affected team morale. During this meeting, I encouraged the team to share their thoughts and suggestions on how we could collectively address the issue. This created a supportive environment where team members could offer advice and guidance to their struggling colleague. Not only did the team member show significant improvement in meeting deadlines, but the entire team also became more collaborative and supportive. By addressing the individual's needs and fostering a positive team dynamic, we were able to overcome the challenge and achieve successful project outcomes.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This is an exceptional answer because it goes above and beyond in addressing the question and provides a comprehensive response. The candidate demonstrates exceptional leadership and team management capabilities by taking a multi-dimensional approach to address the issue. They show adaptability and problem-solving skills by creating a personalized development plan for the team member and facilitating open discussions within the team. The candidate also showcases their ability to think strategically and encourage collaboration among team members. The answer highlights the positive impact of the candidate's actions on both the individual team member and the overall team dynamic. However, the answer could be further improved by providing specific examples of the successful project outcomes achieved as a result of the improved collaboration and support within the team.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you had to handle difficult team members. Think about the specific challenges you faced, the strategies you used, and the outcomes.
Consider how your approach aligns with the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description, such as leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Be prepared to discuss both individual and team-focused strategies for handling difficult team members. Employers value candidates who can address both individual improvement and team dynamics.
Highlight any successful outcomes or positive changes that resulted from your approach. Employers want to know that your actions had a positive impact on the team and project outcomes.

What interviewers are evaluating

Leadership and team management capabilities
Adaptability
Problem-solving skills