If you were faced with a situation where a teammate consistently monopolized credit for all the work done by the team, how would you handle it?

Question Analysis

This question is asking you to demonstrate your conflict resolution skills, ability to manage team dynamics, and leadership qualities. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you handle situations where credit is not fairly distributed within a team. This is a behavioral question, so using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) can be effective in structuring your response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was part of a team responsible for delivering a high-profile project. One of my teammates frequently monopolized credit for the collective efforts of our team, which began to impact team morale and motivation.

Task: As the project manager, it was my responsibility to ensure a positive team environment and address any issues affecting team dynamics and performance.

Action:

• I first gathered specific examples of instances where credit was misappropriated to have clear, factual points for discussion.
• I approached my teammate privately to discuss the situation. I expressed appreciation for their contributions but highlighted the importance of recognizing the efforts of the entire team.
• I suggested implementing a system where each team member could share their contributions in team meetings, fostering an environment of transparency and mutual recognition.
• Additionally, I communicated to the team the importance of acknowledging everyone's hard work and set up regular feedback sessions to ensure everyone felt valued and heard.

Result: This approach led to improved team dynamics and a more cohesive working relationship. The individual in question became more mindful of sharing credit, and team morale increased as everyone felt their contributions were recognized. Ultimately, this contributed to a successful project delivery and a more engaged team.