I would like to hear about a time you had to change your working style.

Question Analysis

This question is a classic behavioral interview question designed to explore your adaptability and flexibility in the workplace. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you handle change and adjust your working methods to meet new challenges or requirements. They want to see if you can demonstrate self-awareness, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is an effective way to structure your response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, our company decided to transition from a traditional waterfall project management approach to an agile methodology. This change required the entire team to adapt their working styles.

Task: As a project manager, I was responsible for ensuring that the team understood and effectively implemented the new agile processes. My task was to lead this transition smoothly while maintaining project deadlines and team productivity.

Action: To adapt to this change, I first took the initiative to learn more about agile methodologies by attending workshops and online courses. I then organized training sessions for my team to familiarize them with agile principles and practices. I also implemented regular stand-up meetings and sprint planning sessions to align the team with this new approach.

Result: The transition to an agile methodology significantly improved our team's efficiency and collaboration. We started delivering projects faster and with increased flexibility to accommodate client changes. As a result, our project delivery timelines improved by 20%, and client satisfaction ratings increased.

By using the STAR method, this answer clearly illustrates the situation, your specific task, the actions you took, and the positive results that followed, demonstrating your ability to change your working style effectively.