Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker. How did you handle the situation?

Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker. How did you handle the situation?

During a previous role, I encountered a situation where I had to work closely with a coworker who had a confrontational and negative attitude. This individual often criticized my work and was resistant to any suggestions or feedback I provided.

To address this issue, I first tried to understand the root cause of my coworker's behavior by initiating a one-on-one conversation. I approached the situation with empathy and actively listened to their concerns and frustrations. By demonstrating understanding and a willingness to collaborate, I was able to establish a level of trust and open communication with my coworker.

Additionally, I focused on maintaining a positive and professional attitude towards my coworker, regardless of their behavior. I made a conscious effort to respond to their criticisms constructively and to not engage in any negative interactions.

Over time, my coworker's behavior began to improve as they recognized my efforts to address their concerns and maintain a positive working relationship. By handling the situation with patience, empathy, and professionalism, I was able to effectively mitigate the difficulties posed by the difficult coworker and create a more harmonious work environment.