Can you provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker or team member, and how did you handle the situation?

Dealing with a Difficult Coworker: A Behavioral Interview Example

During my previous role at XYZ Company, I encountered a challenging situation with a coworker who consistently missed deadlines and disrupted team meetings with a negative attitude. This behavior was affecting team morale and project outcomes.

To address the issue, I first approached the coworker privately to discuss the situation in a non-confrontational manner. I shared specific examples of how their behavior was impacting the team and offered support to help them meet deadlines and improve their communication.

When the behavior persisted, I escalated the issue to our team manager and HR department, providing documentation of the coworker's performance issues. Together, we developed a performance improvement plan that included clear expectations, deadlines, and consequences for non-compliance.

Throughout this process, I maintained open communication with the coworker, offering constructive feedback and support to help them succeed. Eventually, the coworker's behavior improved, and they became a more valuable and productive member of the team.

Overall, this experience taught me the importance of addressing conflict proactively, maintaining professionalism, and seeking support from leadership when necessary to ensure a positive work environment for all team members.