Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult team member or contractor. How did you resolve the situation?
Real Estate Developer Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
I once had to handle a difficult team member while working on a real estate development project. This team member had a negative attitude and was constantly resistant to taking feedback or collaborating with others. To resolve the situation, I started by having a one-on-one conversation with the team member to understand their perspective and concerns. I validated their feelings, but also expressed the importance of teamwork and the impact their behavior was having on the project. We agreed on clear expectations and goals moving forward. Additionally, I organized team-building activities and encouraged open communication to improve collaboration and trust within the team. By providing continuous support and mentoring, I was able to help this team member overcome their difficulties and become more engaged and productive in the project.
A more solid answer
In a real estate development project, I encountered a situation where one of the contractors was constantly causing conflicts within the team. Their negative attitude and lack of collaboration were affecting the project's progress and team dynamics. To address the issue, I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with the contractor to understand their concerns and perspective. I actively listened to their grievances and acknowledged their frustrations. I then explained the importance of teamwork and the impact their behavior was having on the project's success. We established clear expectations and goals, emphasizing the need for open communication and respect. Additionally, I organized team-building activities to foster better collaboration and cohesion. I also provided additional resources and support to help the contractor overcome any challenges they were facing. Through consistent communication and coaching, the contractor's attitude gradually improved, leading to better teamwork and increased productivity within the team.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer expands upon the basic answer by providing specific details of the difficult situation faced with a contractor. It includes active listening, acknowledging grievances, setting clear expectations, and providing additional resources and support. The answer demonstrates effective leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. However, it could benefit from further elaboration on the specific team-building activities and resources provided to address the situation more comprehensively.
An exceptional answer
During a real estate development project, I encountered a challenging team member who consistently disrupted the team's progress and morale. Their behavior created a toxic work environment, leading to conflicts and delays. To address the situation, I gathered detailed feedback from team members and stakeholders to understand the root causes of the issue. This allowed me to pinpoint the specific concerns and challenges faced by the difficult team member. Armed with this information, I scheduled a private meeting with the individual to discuss their behavior and its impact on the team and project. I approached the conversation with empathy, ensuring they felt heard and valued. I then developed a tailored improvement plan, providing resources such as coaching, professional development opportunities, and conflict resolution workshops to address their specific needs. Additionally, I implemented regular check-ins and feedback sessions to track their progress and offer ongoing support. Gradually, the team member's behavior transformed, and their contribution became more positive and collaborative. This led to improved team dynamics, increased productivity, and successful completion of the project.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond in addressing the difficult team member situation. It includes gathering detailed feedback, private meetings with empathy, tailored improvement plans, and ongoing support through coaching and professional development opportunities. The answer also highlights the positive impact on team dynamics, productivity, and project success. However, it could benefit from providing specific examples of the resources and workshops implemented to handle the situation.
How to prepare for this question
- Reflect on past experiences with difficult team members or contractors and identify key lessons learned and successful strategies used.
- Prepare examples and specific details of situations where you successfully resolved conflicts within your team or with external stakeholders.
- Highlight the importance of effective communication, active listening, and empathy in handling difficult team members or contractors.
- Demonstrate your ability to provide resources, support, and ongoing feedback to help individuals improve their behavior and contribute positively to the team and project.
- Emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive work environment and fostering teamwork to achieve project goals.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Leadership
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Teamwork
Related Interview Questions
More questions for Real Estate Developer interviews