Share a story about a time when you had to work with a colleague you didn't have a positive working relationship with. How did you resolve any differences and complete the project?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, particularly in a professional context. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you handle challenging relationships at work and whether you can maintain professionalism and teamwork despite personal differences. The focus is on your ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with diverse personalities, and achieve successful outcomes. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is an effective way to structure your response, ensuring you cover all necessary aspects of the situation.

Answer

Situation:
In my previous role as a project manager, I was assigned to lead a team developing a new software feature. One of the key team members, Alex, and I had previously had disagreements over work styles and priorities, which affected our working relationship.

Task:
Our task was to collaborate effectively to deliver the software feature on time and to the required quality standards. Given our past differences, it was crucial to establish a functional working relationship to ensure the project's success.

Action:
To address this, I initiated a one-on-one meeting with Alex to discuss our previous challenges and find common ground. I approached the conversation with an open mind and a commitment to listening actively. We agreed to focus on our shared objective of delivering a successful project and outlined clear communication strategies, including regular check-ins and feedback sessions. We also agreed to respect each other's expertise and contributions to the project.

Result:
As a result of our efforts, we were able to improve our working relationship significantly. The project was completed on time and met all quality benchmarks. Our collaboration not only enhanced the project's success but also improved team morale. Our improved professional relationship continued to benefit future collaborations, leading to a more cohesive and productive team environment.

By using the STAR method, you can effectively demonstrate your ability to manage and resolve interpersonal challenges, showcasing your skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.