Give us an example of a situation where you had to deal with a difficult colleague or stakeholder. How did you handle the situation?

Financial Regulation Advisor Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

In my previous role, I had to work closely with a difficult colleague who often had a negative attitude and was resistant to change. To handle the situation, I first empathized with their perspective and tried to understand their concerns. I then approached them calmly and professionally, discussing the impact their behavior had on the team and our shared goals. I suggested finding common ground and working together to address any issues. We had a productive conversation and agreed to compromise on certain aspects. Moving forward, I made sure to communicate regularly, involve them in decision-making, and acknowledge their contributions. This approach helped foster a more positive and collaborative working relationship with the colleague.

A more solid answer

In my previous role, I encountered a difficult colleague who constantly criticized my work and undermined my efforts. To handle the situation, I first took the time to understand their concerns by actively listening and asking open-ended questions. This allowed me to uncover their underlying insecurities and fear of change. I then scheduled a meeting to address the issues and clarify any misconceptions. During the meeting, I remained calm and presented evidence of my contributions, focusing on the positive impact they had on our team. I also acknowledged the colleague's expertise and asked for their suggestions and input. By involving them in the decision-making process, I was able to gain their trust and alleviate their concerns. Moving forward, I maintained open lines of communication and regularly updated them on my progress. This approach not only improved our working relationship but also increased their respect for my work and contributions.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific details about the difficult colleague's behavior, the steps taken to address the situation, and the outcomes achieved. It demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, as well as strong problem-solving skills. However, it could further improve by highlighting the impact on team dynamics and addressing how the candidate's actions aligned with the regulatory requirements and guidelines mentioned in the job description.

An exceptional answer

During my previous role, I faced a challenging situation with a stakeholder who had a different agenda and often created obstacles for our team. To address this, I first researched the stakeholder's background, interests, and objectives to gain a better understanding of their perspective. I then scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our mutual goals and find common ground. During the meeting, I actively listened to their concerns and validated their opinions, while also sharing our team's challenges and the impact their actions had on our progress. This led to a more collaborative approach, as we identified areas of shared interest and developed a plan to address both our needs. I involved the stakeholder in decision-making processes, providing them with regular updates and seeking their input. By establishing trust and building a positive working relationship, we were able to overcome obstacles and achieve successful outcomes that aligned with both regulatory requirements and our business objectives.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes beyond the basic and solid answers by providing additional context on the stakeholder's background and objectives, showcasing the candidate's excellent research and interpersonal skills. It also highlights the alignment between the actions taken and the regulatory requirements mentioned in the job description. However, it could further enhance the answer by including specific examples of how the candidate interpreted complex legal and regulatory documents to address the stakeholder's concerns.

How to prepare for this question

Research common types of difficult colleagues or stakeholders and prepare examples of how you would handle each situation.
Practice active listening skills to better understand the concerns and perspectives of others.
Familiarize yourself with the specific legal and regulatory documents relevant to the financial services industry to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to interpret them.
Highlight instances in your past experience where you successfully managed conflicts or challenging relationships with colleagues or stakeholders.
Emphasize the importance of collaboration and compromise in achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

What interviewers are evaluating

Communication and interpersonal abilities
Problem-solving skills