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 ability to work with people who may have different personalities or working styles. It evaluates your interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and professionalism. The interviewer wants to see how you handle challenging situations and whether you can maintain productivity and professionalism despite interpersonal conflicts. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help you structure your answer effectively.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator at XYZ Company, I was assigned to lead a team project aimed at improving our internal reporting system. The team included a colleague with whom I had previously experienced some disagreements due to differing work styles.

Task: Our task was to complete the project within a tight deadline while ensuring that all team members contributed effectively. My responsibility was to ensure smooth collaboration and deliver the project successfully.

Action: Acknowledging the past conflicts, I decided to address it proactively. I arranged a one-on-one meeting with the colleague to discuss our differences and find ways to work together more effectively. We both agreed to focus on our strengths and maintain open communication. I set up regular check-ins to ensure everyone was aligned and to address any emerging issues promptly. I also encouraged team members to share their ideas and feedback openly, fostering a collaborative environment.

Result: By addressing the conflict directly and maintaining open communication, we were able to complete the project on time and significantly improve the reporting system. The project was well-received by management and led to a 20% increase in reporting efficiency. Additionally, my relationship with the colleague improved, and we found it easier to collaborate on future projects.