5 answers
Esmerlin
Student
New York, New York
1
Question
Updated
2621 views
Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult co-worker.?
Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult co-worker. How did you handle the situation? Were you able to build a rapport with this person?
5 answers
Jessica Williams
Network Engineer
5
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
This may seem like a question you'd hear in an interview, but I've actually dealt with a colleague who was quite challenging to collaborate with. They were fiercely protective of their tasks, and when changes were made within our team, they resisted any alteration or redistribution of their responsibilities. I tried to avoid conflict by respecting their space, but it eventually escalated to a point where Human Resources had to intervene due to their aggressive behavior.
Unfortunately, not all situations like this have a positive resolution. Sometimes, compromises are necessary and not everyone ends up satisfied. In this instance, the individual chose to leave the company. It's crucial to have a competent manager or supervisor and a clear set of guidelines to safeguard you in such circumstances. Therefore, when job hunting, prioritize finding a company with a robust support system that will have your back in your professional journey.
Unfortunately, not all situations like this have a positive resolution. Sometimes, compromises are necessary and not everyone ends up satisfied. In this instance, the individual chose to leave the company. It's crucial to have a competent manager or supervisor and a clear set of guidelines to safeguard you in such circumstances. Therefore, when job hunting, prioritize finding a company with a robust support system that will have your back in your professional journey.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
355
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
When someone disagreed with a decision I made, I maintained a good relationship. Took time to listen to their perspective and concerns. Although my decision was not changed, I made a point of being friendly to this person.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
In my prior role as a project coordinator, I faced a tough situation with a team member who was habitually unhelpful and opposed to teamwork. This person frequently failed to meet deadlines and was hesitant to communicate transparently, leading to strain within the team and slowing our progress.
Understanding the critical need to address this problem positively, I initiated a private discussion to grasp their viewpoint and uncover any hidden issues. I conducted the conversation with compassion and attentive listening, making sure they felt acknowledged and valued. During this conversation, I found out that they were swamped with work and confused about their part in the project. To ease these worries, I collaborated with them to define their duties clearly and rearranged the task distribution to make it more bearable.
Moreover, I introduced regular follow-ups to offer support and maintain constant communication. By adopting these measures, we managed to create a shared understanding and enhance our professional relationship. Gradually, this resulted in a remarkable rise in their involvement and input to the team.
In the end, we developed a robust connection based on trust and candid communication, which significantly boosted the team's overall efficiency and spirit.
Understanding the critical need to address this problem positively, I initiated a private discussion to grasp their viewpoint and uncover any hidden issues. I conducted the conversation with compassion and attentive listening, making sure they felt acknowledged and valued. During this conversation, I found out that they were swamped with work and confused about their part in the project. To ease these worries, I collaborated with them to define their duties clearly and rearranged the task distribution to make it more bearable.
Moreover, I introduced regular follow-ups to offer support and maintain constant communication. By adopting these measures, we managed to create a shared understanding and enhance our professional relationship. Gradually, this resulted in a remarkable rise in their involvement and input to the team.
In the end, we developed a robust connection based on trust and candid communication, which significantly boosted the team's overall efficiency and spirit.
Violaine Gonzalez
Senior Associate
176
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hello One situation that stands out is when I was part of a team working on a critical project with a tight deadline. One of my co-workers, let's call him John, was particularly challenging to work with. He had a strong personality and often dismissed others' ideas, insisting that his way was the only correct approach. This created tension within the team and slowed down our progress.
Initially, I found it frustrating to communicate with John, as he would interrupt and dominate conversations. However, I realized that confronting him directly or avoiding him would only exacerbate the situation. Instead, I decided to try a different approach.
First, I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with John. During this meeting, I listened to his concerns and ideas without interrupting, which seemed to help him feel heard and respected. I then calmly explained my perspective and the importance of considering diverse viewpoints for the project's success. By acknowledging his expertise and showing genuine interest in his input, I was able to build some rapport.
Next, I suggested we establish a structured way of sharing ideas during team meetings, such as using a round-robin format where each team member had an equal opportunity to speak. This ensured that everyone's voice was heard and reduced the likelihood of any single person dominating the discussion. John initially resisted but eventually adapted to this new format as he saw its benefits.
Throughout the project, I made a conscious effort to provide positive feedback to John whenever he contributed constructively. I also sought his advice on areas where he had particular strengths, which helped in gradually building mutual respect. Over time, John's attitude became more collaborative, and the team dynamics improved significantly.
By the end of the project, not only did we meet our deadline successfully, but we also developed a more cohesive and effective working relationship. This experience taught me the value of empathy, patience, and strategic communication in resolving conflicts and fostering a positive team environment.
Initially, I found it frustrating to communicate with John, as he would interrupt and dominate conversations. However, I realized that confronting him directly or avoiding him would only exacerbate the situation. Instead, I decided to try a different approach.
First, I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with John. During this meeting, I listened to his concerns and ideas without interrupting, which seemed to help him feel heard and respected. I then calmly explained my perspective and the importance of considering diverse viewpoints for the project's success. By acknowledging his expertise and showing genuine interest in his input, I was able to build some rapport.
Next, I suggested we establish a structured way of sharing ideas during team meetings, such as using a round-robin format where each team member had an equal opportunity to speak. This ensured that everyone's voice was heard and reduced the likelihood of any single person dominating the discussion. John initially resisted but eventually adapted to this new format as he saw its benefits.
Throughout the project, I made a conscious effort to provide positive feedback to John whenever he contributed constructively. I also sought his advice on areas where he had particular strengths, which helped in gradually building mutual respect. Over time, John's attitude became more collaborative, and the team dynamics improved significantly.
By the end of the project, not only did we meet our deadline successfully, but we also developed a more cohesive and effective working relationship. This experience taught me the value of empathy, patience, and strategic communication in resolving conflicts and fostering a positive team environment.
Paul Kaiser
Marketing
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hey Esmerlin - just as with any aspect of life, you're likely to cross paths with challenging individuals. Sometimes, you may have the option to limit your interactions with them, but there are times when it's simply inevitable. The most valuable piece of advice I've ever received in relation to such hurdles is to bear in mind that seldom are issues entirely the fault of just one party involved. (Although, in some instances, it might be 99% one person's fault!) Regardless, try to reflect on the actions *you* could have taken or might take in future interactions with that person that could have bettered the situation and eased things. I'd also suggest consciously practicing empathy (deciding to "assume the best about...") and realizing that individuals might be difficult due to external factors - they could be under stress from their boss, grappling with personal issues at home, and so on.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Delete Comment
Flag Comment