Tell us about a time when you had to provide feedback or discipline to a team member.

Sample answer to the question

One time, I had to provide feedback to a team member who was consistently arriving late to work. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with the team member to discuss the issue. During the meeting, I expressed my concerns about their punctuality and how it was affecting the team's productivity. I also asked for the team member's perspective on the situation to understand if there were any underlying reasons for their lateness. Together, we developed a plan to address the issue, which included setting clear expectations for arrival times, implementing a reminder system, and holding regular check-ins to monitor progress. I followed up with the team member regularly to ensure they were making the necessary improvements. Ultimately, the team member was able to improve their punctuality and the overall team dynamics benefited as a result.

A more solid answer

One time, I had to provide feedback and discipline to a deck officer who consistently showed a lack of attention to safety procedures. During a routine safety drill, I observed the officer neglecting certain protocols, which put the entire crew at risk. I immediately addressed the issue by taking the officer aside and explaining the severity of their actions. I emphasized the importance of adhering to safety procedures and the potential consequences of their negligence. To ensure understanding and accountability, I asked the officer to complete a safety refresher course and had them submit regular reports on their adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, I increased the frequency of safety briefings for the entire crew to reinforce the importance of following procedures. The officer responded positively to the disciplinary actions and actively worked to improve their behavior. This incident served as a wake-up call for the team, and the overall safety culture improved as a result.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed scenario, highlighting a specific incident related to safety procedures and the discipline given to the team member. It includes specific actions taken to address the issue and the positive outcome achieved. However, it could further improve by discussing the long-term impact on the team dynamics and the officer's performance.

An exceptional answer

In my previous role as Chief Mate, I encountered a situation where I had to provide feedback and discipline to a team member who consistently demonstrated poor decision-making during navigation operations. This team member had a habit of deviating from established routes without proper justification, which posed a significant risk to the safety of the vessel and crew. To address this issue, I scheduled a meeting with the team member to discuss their actions and the potential consequences. I used specific examples and referred to relevant maritime laws and navigation principles to emphasize the importance of following established procedures. We discussed the impact of their behavior on the overall safety culture and the trust within the team. I presented a plan for improvement, which included additional training on navigation principles and decision-making, as well as a mentorship program with a more experienced officer. I also implemented a feedback system where the entire team provided input on the team member's performance. Over time, the team member demonstrated a significant improvement in their decision-making skills and adherence to established procedures. The trust within the team was restored, and the overall team dynamics became more cohesive. This experience taught me the importance of addressing performance issues promptly and effectively to maintain a safe and productive working environment.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed scenario that goes well beyond the basic and solid answers. It highlights the specific issue of poor decision-making during navigation operations, demonstrates a deep understanding of maritime laws and principles, and showcases the candidate's leadership skills in addressing the issue. The exceptional answer also discusses the long-term impact on team dynamics, emphasizing the restoration of trust and improved overall performance. It is comprehensive and presents a strong example of the candidate's ability to provide feedback and discipline effectively.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with the company's policies and procedures regarding feedback and discipline.
Reflect on past experiences where you had to provide feedback or discipline to a team member, and think about the outcomes and lessons learned.
Consider the specific requirements and challenges of the Chief Mate role, such as safety management and crisis response, and relate your past experiences to those areas.
Practice explaining the steps you took to address the issue and the impact it had on the team and individual performance.
Highlight your ability to effectively communicate expectations, provide constructive feedback, and implement corrective measures.

What interviewers are evaluating

Leadership
Communication
Interpersonal Skills