Tell me about a time when you had to finish a project with someone you didn't get along with.

Question Analysis

This question assesses your ability to work effectively in a team, especially with individuals you may find challenging to collaborate with. The interviewer is looking to understand your conflict resolution skills, adaptability, and professionalism. They want to see how you handle interpersonal challenges while focusing on achieving a common goal. This is a behavioral question, and you should use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was assigned to lead a critical project that required collaboration with a colleague from another department. We had previously experienced some disagreements on work methodologies, which made our working relationship challenging.

Task: Despite our differences, the main task was to successfully complete the project on time and within budget while ensuring quality standards were met.

Action: To address this, I initiated an open conversation with my colleague to acknowledge our past differences and express my commitment to a successful collaboration. We set clear communication guidelines and agreed on regular check-ins to ensure alignment. I also made an effort to understand their perspective and incorporate their strengths into the project where applicable, which helped in building mutual respect.

Result: Through improved communication and a focus on our shared goal, we completed the project ahead of schedule and received positive feedback from our senior management. This experience not only improved our working relationship but also taught me the importance of addressing conflicts proactively and finding common ground to achieve team success.