Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult employee or situation.

Sample answer to the question

I had a situation where I was responsible for managing a difficult employee who was frequently late to work and had a negative attitude. I first addressed the issue by having a one-on-one meeting with the employee to discuss their behavior and the impact it was having on the team. I provided clear expectations and consequences if the behavior continued. Additionally, I offered support and resources to help improve the employee's attendance and attitude. I monitored the employee's progress closely and provided regular feedback. Over time, the employee showed significant improvement, became more punctual, and displayed a more positive attitude towards work.

A more solid answer

In my role as a team leader, I encountered a challenging employee who consistently exhibited poor performance and disruptive behavior. I approached the situation by first conducting a thorough investigation to understand the root causes of the employee's behavior and performance issues. I communicated with the employee to express my concerns and documented our discussions. I then developed a performance improvement plan (PIP) outlining specific goals, expectations, and timelines. I provided coaching and guidance to the employee, offering resources and support to help them meet the outlined objectives. Throughout the process, I maintained open and transparent communication, regularly providing feedback and addressing any concerns or questions the employee had. As a result of these efforts, the employee's performance and behavior significantly improved, leading to a more positive work environment for the entire team.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more comprehensive overview of how the candidate approached the difficult employee situation. It includes specific details such as conducting an investigation, developing a performance improvement plan, and maintaining open communication. The answer demonstrates the applicant's effective HR administration and people management skills, as well as their organizational and conflict management skills. One area for improvement could be to provide more measurable outcomes or specific examples of the employee's improvement.

An exceptional answer

During my time as an HR Manager, I faced a difficult situation with an employee who had been consistently underperforming and displaying a negative attitude. To address this, I initiated a series of steps. Firstly, I scheduled a formal meeting with the employee to discuss their performance concerns and provide them with an opportunity to share any challenges they were facing. Through active listening, I gathered valuable insights into the underlying issues. Subsequently, I created a personalized development plan that incorporated clear performance metrics and milestones. I arranged for additional training and coaching sessions to enhance the employee's skills and boost motivation. I also implemented a recognition program to reward and reinforce positive behaviors. Regular check-ins and open communication ensured that the employee felt supported throughout the process. As a result of these interventions, the employee's performance improved significantly, and they became a valued contributor to the team. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, proactive communication, and the value of providing tailored solutions to address performance challenges.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed, step-by-step approach the candidate took to handle the difficult employee situation. It highlights the candidate's effective HR administration and people management skills, as well as their organizational and conflict management skills. The answer also showcases the candidate's ability to implement personalized development plans, arrange additional training and coaching, and create recognition programs. It demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of empathy, proactive communication, and tailored solutions. The answer could be further improved by including specific measurable outcomes or examples of the employee's performance improvement.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you have successfully handled difficult employees or situations.
Be prepared to provide specific examples of the steps you took and the outcomes achieved.
Familiarize yourself with best practices in HR administration, people management, and conflict resolution.
Highlight your ability to actively listen, empathize, and provide tailored solutions to address performance challenges.
Practice articulating your approach in a clear and concise manner, focusing on the positive impact you had on the employee and the overall work environment.

What interviewers are evaluating

Effective HR administration and people management skills
Remarkable organizational and conflict management skills