How do you handle difficult or underperforming staff members?

JUNIOR LEVEL
How do you handle difficult or underperforming staff members?
Sample answer to the question:
When dealing with difficult or underperforming staff members, I believe in taking a proactive approach. I would start by having a one-on-one conversation with the employee to understand their challenges and any issues they may be facing. I would listen attentively and provide support and guidance to help them improve. If necessary, I would offer additional training or resources to address any skill gaps. However, if the underperformance continues despite these efforts, I would escalate the issue to higher management and HR for further intervention. It's important to approach these situations with empathy and give employees the opportunity to improve before taking any disciplinary actions.
Here is a more solid answer:
Handling difficult or underperforming staff members requires a combination of leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. In my experience as a supervisor, I have encountered such situations and have developed a systematic approach to address them. First, I would establish clear expectations and goals for each staff member, ensuring they understand their responsibilities. Regular performance evaluations would be conducted to provide feedback and identify areas for improvement. If an employee is struggling, I would offer mentorship and additional training opportunities to help them succeed. However, if their performance does not improve despite these efforts, I would initiate a progressive discipline process, which includes verbal warnings, written warnings, and, if necessary, termination. Throughout this process, I would maintain open and honest communication with the employee, providing support and guidance where needed. Additionally, I would work closely with HR to ensure legal and company policies are followed.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides specific details about the candidate's past experience in handling difficult or underperforming staff members, demonstrating their leadership and problem-solving skills. It also addresses the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description. However, it could be further improved by providing more examples of successful outcomes and strategies employed.
An example of a exceptional answer:
As a highly experienced Radiology Department Supervisor, I have encountered various challenging situations with staff members. When faced with difficulties or underperformance, I believe in taking a proactive and compassionate approach. Firstly, I would schedule a private meeting with the staff member to understand their perspective and identify any underlying issues. By actively listening and showing empathy, I create a safe space for open communication. Once the root cause is identified, I work collaboratively with the employee to develop an individualized performance improvement plan, setting clear goals and milestones. Additionally, I provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to support their growth and development. If necessary, I would also involve HR to ensure all legal and company policies are followed. By taking this approach, I have successfully turned around the performance of several staff members, leading to improved morale and overall team success.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer demonstrates the candidate's extensive experience and expertise in handling difficult or underperforming staff members. It showcases their strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to foster a positive and collaborative work environment. The answer also highlights the candidate's compassion and empathy, which are crucial qualities when dealing with challenging situations. Additionally, the answer provides specific examples of successful outcomes, showcasing the candidate's effectiveness in improving staff performance. It fully addresses the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Familiarize yourself with the company's policies and procedures for dealing with difficult or underperforming staff members. Understand the progressive discipline process and any legal considerations.
  • Reflect on past experiences or situations where you have successfully addressed underperformance or challenging behaviors. Think about the strategies you employed and the outcomes achieved.
  • Practice active listening and empathy. Develop your communication and interpersonal skills, as these will be essential when dealing with difficult staff members.
  • Consider taking courses or attending workshops on leadership, conflict resolution, and performance management. These can provide you with valuable knowledge and tools for effectively handling challenging situations.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Leadership and supervisory skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Capacity to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment

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