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Can you give an example of when you had to handle a disciplinary issue?

HR Manager Interview Questions
Can you give an example of when you had to handle a disciplinary issue?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I can give you an example of when I had to handle a disciplinary issue. In my previous role as an HR Manager at XYZ Company, I had an employee who repeatedly violated the company's attendance policy. I first addressed the issue by having a one-on-one meeting with the employee to discuss the problem and remind them of the importance of punctuality. However, the issue persisted, and I had to escalate it to a formal disciplinary process. I conducted a thorough investigation, documenting all instances of tardiness and the corresponding consequences. I then scheduled a disciplinary hearing with the employee, where I presented the evidence and allowed them to provide their side of the story. Following the hearing, I issued a written warning to the employee and explained the expectations moving forward. I also provided them with resources and support to help improve their attendance. Ultimately, the employee's attendance improved, and the issue was successfully resolved.

A more solid answer

Yes, I can give you an example of when I had to handle a disciplinary issue. In my previous role as an HR Manager at XYZ Company, I had an employee who repeatedly violated the company's attendance policy. To address the issue, I first ensured clear communication by having a one-on-one meeting with the employee to discuss the problem and remind them of the importance of punctuality. I provided them with a written warning outlining the consequences of further policy violations. Additionally, I implemented a system to track and monitor employees' attendance more closely to identify any future issues. I also conducted regular check-ins with the employee to offer guidance and support in improving their attendance. By taking a proactive approach and maintaining open lines of communication, I was able to successfully resolve the disciplinary issue and improve the employee's attendance.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more details on how the candidate utilized their leadership and organizational skills, as well as their strong communication and interpersonal skills. It highlights the candidate's proactive approach in addressing the issue and the steps taken to support the employee in improving their attendance. However, it can further improve by providing specific metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of the candidate's actions and the impact on the employee's performance.

An exceptional answer

Certainly! I can share a specific example of when I had to handle a disciplinary issue. In my previous role as an HR Manager at XYZ Company, I encountered a situation where an employee was consistently showing disruptive behavior in the workplace, causing conflicts with colleagues and affecting team productivity. To address this issue, I first conducted a thorough investigation to gather all the necessary information and evidence. I then scheduled a meeting with the employee to discuss the concerns raised by their colleagues and provide them with an opportunity to share their perspective. During the meeting, I actively listened to their concerns, demonstrated empathy, and explained the impact of their behavior on the team and company goals. I also provided them with clear expectations and guidelines for appropriate workplace behavior. To ensure a corrective action plan, I collaborated with the employee to develop an individualized plan focused on improving their communication skills and fostering positive relationships with colleagues. As part of the plan, I arranged for mediation sessions between the employee and their colleagues to facilitate open dialogue and resolution of conflicts. Throughout the process, I maintained ongoing communication with all parties involved to track progress, address any concerns, and offer guidance and support. As a result of these interventions, the employee's disruptive behavior significantly decreased, and they successfully transitioned to a more positive and productive member of the team.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed and comprehensive example of handling a disciplinary issue. It demonstrates the candidate's strong leadership and organizational skills, as well as their ability to effectively communicate and resolve conflicts. The answer showcases the candidate's problem-solving approach, empathy, and dedication to finding a resolution that benefits both the employee and the team. Additionally, the answer highlights the candidate's ability to develop and execute a tailored plan to address the issue and monitor progress. Overall, the exceptional answer demonstrates the candidate's expertise in handling complex disciplinary issues and promoting a positive work culture.

How to prepare for this question

  • Review your past experiences and identify a specific disciplinary issue you have handled.
  • Think about the steps you took to address the issue and the strategies you implemented to resolve it.
  • Highlight the importance of clear communication, active listening, and empathy when dealing with disciplinary issues.
  • Consider the impact of your actions and the effectiveness of the strategies employed.
  • Practice discussing the disciplinary issue and detailing the process you followed to handle it.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Leadership and organizational skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

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