Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a team member who was resistant to change.

JUNIOR LEVEL
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a team member who was resistant to change.
Sample answer to the question:
I once had a team member who was resistant to change during a project we were working on to implement a new data analysis system for our clients. She was used to the old system and was hesitant to learn and adapt to the new one. To address this, I scheduled one-on-one meetings with her to discuss the benefits of the new system and how it would improve our work efficiency and client outcomes. I also provided her with additional training resources and offered my support in navigating the new system. Gradually, she started to see the value of the change and became more open to it. By the end of the project, she was fully onboard and even contributed innovative ideas to enhance the system further.
Here is a more solid answer:
In a recent project, I encountered a team member who was resistant to change when we were implementing a new healthcare information system for our clients. This team member had been using the old system for years and was skeptical about the benefits of the new system. To address this, I first empathized with her concerns and acknowledged her expertise with the old system. I then scheduled a team meeting to discuss the reasons for the change and how it aligned with our goals of improving efficiency and client outcomes. During the meeting, I encouraged open dialogue and actively listened to her concerns. I ensured that she had the necessary training resources and provided additional support in navigating the new system. I also assigned her a mentor who had successfully transitioned to the new system. Gradually, she started to see the value of the change and became more open to it. By the end of the project, she not only embraced the new system but also actively contributed her ideas to further enhance it. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication, empathy, and providing the necessary support when dealing with team members resistant to change.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides a more comprehensive response by including specific details and addressing the evaluation areas and job responsibilities. It emphasizes the candidate's ability to empathize, communicate effectively, problem-solve, adapt, and collaborate with the team member who was resistant to change. However, it can still be improved by providing more quantifiable outcomes and relating them to the job responsibilities.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During a project to implement a new data analysis system for our healthcare clients, I faced a significant challenge when one of my team members, who had extensive experience with the current system, strongly resisted the change. Recognizing the importance of addressing this resistance to ensure smooth project implementation, I approached the situation with a strategic plan. Firstly, I organized a one-on-one meeting with the team member to understand her concerns and perspective. I actively listened and validated her expertise with the current system, acknowledging the proficiency she had developed over the years. Next, I provided detailed information about the benefits of the new system and how it aligned with our goals of improving efficiency, profitability, and patient outcomes. To address her learning curve, I arranged tailored training sessions and assigned a mentor who had successfully transitioned from the old system to the new one. Additionally, I involved her in the decision-making process by seeking her input on system customization to maximize familiarity. Gradually, through constant communication, collaboration, and patience, the team member started embracing the change. Not only did she become proficient in the new system, but she also identified innovative ways to leverage its functionalities, enhancing our data analysis capabilities and client deliverables. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, active listening, and providing targeted support to overcome resistance to change.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a detailed and comprehensive response that includes specific examples and addresses all the evaluation areas and job responsibilities. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle a significant challenge, effectively communicate, empathize, problem-solve, adapt, collaborate, and manage client relationships. The answer also highlights the candidate's ability to achieve quantifiable outcomes by mentioning the enhanced data analysis capabilities and client deliverables. It provides a well-rounded and compelling story that showcases the candidate's skills and experiences. It can be further improved by providing more specific details about the mentorship process and quantifiable metrics that demonstrate the impact of the candidate's actions.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past experiences where you have dealt with team members resistant to change. Consider the specific situation, the actions you took, and the outcomes achieved.
  • Study and understand the benefits of change and how it can improve efficiency, profitability, and patient outcomes in the healthcare industry.
  • Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and effective persuasion techniques.
  • Familiarize yourself with different strategies for managing resistance to change, such as involving team members in decision-making, providing tailored training and mentorship, and highlighting the positive impacts of the change.
  • Practice storytelling techniques to effectively communicate your experiences with dealing with resistance to change.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability
  • Collaboration
  • Client relationship management

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