Tell me about a time when you had to handle a challenging team member.

Organizational Development Advisor Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

A more solid answer

I once had a challenging team member who was resistant to change. They were against implementing a new software system that would improve efficiency. To handle this situation, I took the time to understand their concerns and listened to their feedback. I recognized that their resistance stemmed from a fear of being overwhelmed by the new technology. I organized a training session to familiarize the team with the system and addressed their specific concerns. Additionally, I assigned a mentor to provide one-on-one support to the team member. This mentor helped them through the learning process and provided guidance whenever they faced difficulties. By showcasing the benefits and providing ongoing support, I was able to alleviate their fears and gain their buy-in. The team member eventually became one of the biggest advocates for the new software system. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and creating a supportive environment to handle challenging team members effectively.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer builds upon the basic answer by including the additional step of assigning a mentor to provide ongoing support to the challenging team member. This shows proactive problem-solving and adaptability by recognizing the need for personalized support and creating a supportive environment. The answer also reflects on the importance of empathy and patience in handling challenging team members.

An exceptional answer

I once had a challenging team member who strongly opposed a new software system implementation. They believed that the change would disrupt their established work processes and render their expertise irrelevant. To address this challenge, I followed a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, I organized a series of meetings to create a safe space for the team member to express their concerns fully. These conversations allowed me to empathize with their perspective and gain a deeper understanding of their fears. Secondly, I collaborated with the IT department to develop a tailored training program that addressed the team member's specific needs and reassured them about their expertise being valued in the new system. Additionally, I involved the team member in the decision-making process by seeking their input on the implementation plan. This involvement gave them a sense of ownership and helped them see the benefits of the change. To further support the team member, I paired them with a subject matter expert who provided continuous guidance and answered their questions throughout the implementation process. This mentorship relationship helped build the team member's confidence and competence with the new system. By implementing these strategies and demonstrating patience and understanding, I successfully transformed the team member from a vocal opponent of the change to an enthusiastic advocate for the new software system.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by including additional steps such as creating a safe space for the team member to express their concerns fully, involving them in the decision-making process, and pairing them with a subject matter expert for continuous support. These actions showcase exceptional collaboration and teamwork, effective communication, proactive problem-solving, and adaptability and flexibility in handling a challenging team member. The answer demonstrates the candidate's ability to empathize, understand, and address the specific concerns of the team member, leading to a successful outcome.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on a past experience of handling a challenging team member and identify the key lessons learned.
Consider the specific qualities and skills you utilized to handle the situation effectively, such as empathy, active listening, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to create a supportive and inclusive environment for team members facing challenges.
Prepare specific examples and anecdotes that showcase your collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills in a team context.
Research and familiarize yourself with common challenges that may arise with team members, such as resistance to change, lack of motivation, or conflicts, and develop strategies to address them.

What interviewers are evaluating

Collaboration and teamwork
Effective communication
Proactive problem-solving
Adaptability and flexibility