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

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and professionalism in a team setting. Employers want to understand how you handle working relationships with colleagues, especially when there are interpersonal challenges. They are looking for evidence of your ability to remain effective and deliver results even when personal dynamics are not ideal.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was assigned to lead a project that required collaboration with multiple departments. One of the key team members was someone I didn't see eye-to-eye with due to differing work styles and past disagreements.

Task: Our goal was to develop a new customer service protocol within a tight deadline. It was crucial that we worked together effectively to meet the project's objectives and timeline.

Action: I initiated a one-on-one meeting with this colleague to discuss our previous conflicts and find a common ground. During the meeting, I actively listened to their concerns and shared my perspective. We agreed to focus on the project's goals and established clear communication guidelines to prevent misunderstandings. I also suggested regular check-ins to ensure we were aligned throughout the project.

Result: By addressing the conflict directly and setting clear expectations, we were able to collaborate more effectively. Our project was completed on time and received positive feedback from stakeholders. This experience improved our working relationship and taught me the value of proactive communication and empathy in overcoming interpersonal challenges.