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 interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in challenging team dynamics. The interviewer wants to understand how you handle conflicts and maintain professionalism to achieve a common goal. It's important to highlight your ability to communicate, resolve differences, and stay focused on the project objectives. Using the STAR method will help structure your response by detailing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager at XYZ Corp, I was assigned to a critical project with a tight deadline. I was paired with a colleague who had a different working style and with whom I had previously had some disagreements.

Task: Our task was to develop a marketing campaign for a new product launch. Despite our differences, it was essential that we collaborated effectively to meet the company's expectations and deliver the project on time.

Action: To address the situation, I initiated an open conversation with my colleague to acknowledge our past conflicts and express my commitment to working together harmoniously. We agreed to set aside our differences and focus on our shared objectives. I proposed regular check-ins to ensure we were aligned and that any issues could be addressed promptly. Additionally, we divided tasks based on each other's strengths, which helped in reducing friction and increasing productivity.

Result: Through consistent communication and a focus on our common goal, we completed the project successfully and met the deadline. The marketing campaign received positive feedback from both management and the target audience, leading to a successful product launch. This experience taught me the value of open communication and adaptability in resolving team conflicts.