Describe a situation where you encountered resistance from a community member or organization and how you handled it.

SENIOR LEVEL
Describe a situation where you encountered resistance from a community member or organization and how you handled it.
Sample answer to the question:
I once encountered resistance from an organization when I was working on a community health program. They were hesitant to collaborate and support our efforts. However, I addressed this by setting up a meeting with the organization's leadership to understand their concerns and present our goals and objectives. I explained how our program could benefit their community members and offered potential solutions to address their reservations. Through open and honest communication, I was able to build rapport and trust with the organization. We eventually reached a consensus and they agreed to support our program.
Here is a more solid answer:
One situation where I encountered resistance from a community member was during a project aimed at improving access to healthcare in an underserved neighborhood. The local community center was initially hesitant to collaborate and provide space for our health clinics. To address this, I took a proactive approach and scheduled a meeting with the community center's director. I listened to their concerns about potential disruptions to their operations and shared our vision for the project. I offered practical solutions, such as scheduling the clinics during non-peak hours and providing incentives for community center users. I also emphasized the positive impact our clinics could have on the community's health and well-being. Through effective communication and problem-solving, I was able to build trust and secure their support. As a result, we successfully conducted regular health clinics at the community center, benefiting numerous community members.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides a more detailed and specific description of the situation. The candidate explains their proactive approach in addressing the resistance from the community center and provides practical solutions to the concerns raised. The outcome is also mentioned, highlighting the candidate's success in securing the support and conducting the health clinics.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my work as a community health nurse, I encountered resistance from a local organization while implementing a health education program for adolescents. They were skeptical about the program's effectiveness and were initially unwilling to allocate resources. To address this, I took a multifaceted approach. First, I conducted extensive research to gather evidence supporting the program's positive outcomes, such as reducing risky behaviors and promoting healthy habits. Armed with this data, I set up a meeting with the organization's board members and presented a well-prepared proposal that outlined the program's goals, curriculum, and expected impact. I invited experts in the field to speak at the meeting and shared success stories from similar programs in neighboring communities. Additionally, I offered to collaborate with the organization on fundraising efforts and sought their input and ideas to make the program more tailored to their community. This collaborative and evidence-based approach helped alleviate their concerns and showed them the value of the program. Eventually, the organization not only agreed to allocate resources but also became an active partner in the program's implementation. We saw tremendous success, with increased participation from adolescents and positive feedback from both the organization and the community.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond in demonstrating the candidate's skills in communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. The candidate provides a detailed account of their research and preparation, presenting evidence and success stories to the organization's board members. They also highlight their willingness to collaborate and adapt the program to the specific needs of the community. The outcome of the situation is described as a tremendous success, showcasing the candidate's ability to overcome resistance and achieve positive results.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Research the organization or community members you may encounter resistance from to understand their concerns and motivations.
  • Prepare a well-documented proposal or presentation to highlight the value and potential impact of your initiatives.
  • Demonstrate your willingness to collaborate and find common ground by actively seeking input and involving stakeholders in decision-making processes.
  • Back up your arguments and proposals with evidence and success stories from similar programs or initiatives.
  • Highlight the potential benefits and positive outcomes of your initiatives, emphasizing how they align with the organization or community's goals.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Collaboration

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