Tell me about a time when you were on a team and one of the members wasn’t pulling their weight

Demonstrate your teamwork and problem-solving skills. This question allows you to showcase how you handle team dynamics and collaborate to overcome challenges. Here’s how you can structure a compelling response.

Understanding the Question

This question assesses your ability to deal with difficult team situations and your approach to resolving conflicts or performance issues. It’s about highlighting your interpersonal skills, empathy, and ability to motivate or support others.

Structuring Your Response

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for a structured and clear narrative.

• Situation: Start by describing the situation where you were part of a team and faced the challenge of an underperforming member. Set the context for the team’s goals and the specific issues caused by the member’s performance.

• Task: Explain what your role in the team was and how the underperformance affected your work or the team’s objectives.

• Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation. This could include how you communicated with the team member, offered support or feedback, and worked with the team to mitigate the impact on the project.

• Result: Conclude with the outcomes of your actions. Focus on positive results like improved team performance, successful project completion, or lessons learned.

Example Response

“In my previous role, I was part of a project team where one member was consistently missing deadlines, affecting our progress. As a team, we discussed the issue openly in a meeting. I offered to help the member by breaking down tasks into more manageable parts and setting interim deadlines. This approach not only helped the member to catch up but also improved our overall team coordination. Ultimately, we completed the project on time and received positive feedback from our client.”

Key Points for a Strong Answer

• Show Leadership Qualities: Even if you weren’t the team leader, demonstrate how you took initiative to help resolve the situation.
• Focus on Teamwork and Support: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive team environment and offering support.
• Reflect on the Learning Experience: Share what you learned from the experience and how it has shaped your approach to teamwork.

Final Thoughts

Your response to this question should demonstrate your ability to navigate complex team dynamics and contribute positively to resolving challenges. It’s an opportunity to highlight your teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.