Can you provide an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult team member on a construction project, and how did you resolve the issue?

Civil Supervisor Interview Question: Handling Difficult Team Member

During my tenure as a Civil Supervisor on a construction project, I encountered a situation where a team member was consistently causing conflicts and disruptions within the team. This individual's behavior was jeopardizing the project timeline and morale of the rest of the team members.

To address this issue, I initiated a one-on-one meeting with the team member to understand the root cause of their behavior and concerns. Through active listening and open communication, I discovered that the team member was feeling overwhelmed with their tasks and was struggling to keep up with the project demands.

In order to resolve the issue, I devised a personalized plan for the team member that included additional training sessions, clear goal setting, and regular check-ins to monitor progress. I also reassigned some of the workload to alleviate the pressure on the individual and provided continuous support and guidance throughout the process.

By addressing the underlying issues and providing the necessary support, I was able to help the team member overcome their challenges and become a valuable contributor to the project. The successful resolution of this situation not only improved the team dynamics but also contributed to the overall success of the construction project.

Handling difficult team members in a constructive and empathetic manner is an essential skill for a Civil Supervisor, and I believe that effective communication, problem-solving, and support are key elements in resolving such challenges within a construction project team.