Have you ever faced a challenging situation where you had to work with a colleague you didn't have a good relationship with? Please share details.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to navigate interpersonal challenges in the workplace. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you handle situations where you must collaborate with someone you may not get along with personally. It’s about demonstrating your conflict resolution skills, professionalism, and ability to maintain productivity despite personal differences. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to structure your response to show how you effectively managed the situation.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was assigned to work with a colleague from another department on a high-stakes project. We had a history of disagreements on work priorities and communication styles, which made collaboration challenging.

Task: The project required us to align on deliverables and timelines to meet a tight deadline, necessitating effective teamwork despite our past differences.

Action: To address this, I initiated a one-on-one meeting to discuss our previous challenges and establish a mutual understanding. I actively listened to my colleague's perspectives and shared my own, focusing on finding common ground. We agreed on clear communication channels and set regular check-ins to ensure alignment throughout the project.

Result: Our proactive approach led to a successful project completion ahead of schedule. We not only delivered high-quality work but also improved our working relationship. This experience taught me the importance of open communication and respect in overcoming interpersonal challenges.