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

JUNIOR LEVEL
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a team member who was resistant to change or unwilling to adapt.
Sample answer to the question:
I had a situation where one of my team members was resistant to a new project management tool that we were implementing. They were comfortable with the old system and didn't see the need for change. I tried to understand their concerns and explain the benefits of the new tool, but they were still unwilling to adapt. To resolve the issue, I organized a training session to demonstrate the features and advantages of the new tool. I also provided one-on-one support to help my team member navigate the transition. Eventually, they saw the value of the new tool and became more open to utilizing it.
Here is a more solid answer:
In my previous role as a project coordinator, I encountered a team member who was resistant to change when we were implementing a new process for data analysis. They believed that the existing method was sufficient and resisted the change, creating a barrier to progress. To address this, I took a proactive approach by scheduling a one-on-one meeting with the team member to understand their concerns and perspective. I actively listened to their feedback and acknowledged their expertise in the existing method. I then shared the data and insights that supported the need for the new process, emphasizing the potential improvements in efficiency and accuracy. I also emphasized how the new process aligned with industry best practices and would benefit the entire team in the long run. To facilitate their adaptation, I offered additional training sessions and resources to help them become familiar with the new process. By being patient, empathetic, and supportive, I was able to gradually build their trust and willingness to adapt. Eventually, the team member not only embraced the change but also became an advocate for it, actively promoting the benefits to other team members.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details and examples. It demonstrates problem-solving skills by proactively scheduling a one-on-one meeting and offering additional training sessions. It showcases communication skills by actively listening, acknowledging the team member's expertise, and sharing data to support the need for change. It also highlights teamwork by gradually building trust and turning the resistant team member into an advocate for the new process. The answer could be improved by describing specific results or outcomes achieved through the successful adaptation.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my time as a healthcare consultant, I encountered a team member who was resistant to adopting new healthcare information systems. This team member had been using the same outdated systems for years and was hesitant to learn and adapt to the new technologies. Recognizing the urgency of embracing advancements to improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery, I took a multi-faceted approach to address their resistance. Firstly, I organized a series of training sessions tailored to the team member's learning style and preferences. I facilitated hands-on exercises and provided real-life examples to demonstrate the benefits and ease of use of the new systems. To reinforce the importance of adaptation, I highlighted case studies and success stories where organizations achieved significant improvement by embracing the new technologies. Additionally, I created opportunities for the team member to collaborate with other team members who had already adopted the systems successfully, encouraging peer-to-peer learning and support. Furthermore, I worked closely with the team member to identify their specific concerns and challenges with the new systems. I provided personalized guidance and support, addressing their individual needs and ensuring a smooth transition. Over time, as the team member gained confidence and realized the positive impact of the new systems on their work, their resistance faded away. They not only embraced the change but also became an active advocate, assisting other team members in their transition. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, tailored training, and ongoing support when dealing with team members resistant to change.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing even more specific details and examples. It demonstrates problem-solving skills by tailoring training sessions to the team member's learning style and addressing their concerns and challenges. It showcases communication skills by utilizing real-life examples, case studies, and success stories to highlight the benefits of the new systems. It also highlights teamwork by creating opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and support. The answer is exceptional because it not only addresses the resistance but also emphasizes the importance of empathy, tailored training, and ongoing support. However, it could be further improved by describing specific outcomes achieved through the successful adaptation.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Familiarize yourself with the healthcare industry and its current challenges and trends.
  • Reflect on your past experiences working in a team and identify situations where you encountered resistance to change.
  • Think about how you effectively communicated and influenced others in those situations.
  • Consider specific examples where you successfully facilitated the adaptation of team members to new processes, technologies, or systems.
  • Highlight the outcomes and results achieved through the successful adaptation.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Teamwork

Want content like this in your inbox?
Sign Up for our Newsletter

By clicking "Sign up" you consent and agree to Jobya's Terms & Privacy policies

Related Interview Questions