Describe a time you had to work with a colleague you found difficult to get along with.
Difficulty: medium • Category: Teamwork & Communication
Suggested Answer
I worked with someone who had a very different communication style than mine. Instead of avoiding them, I made an effort to understand their perspective and adapted my approach. We found common ground in our shared goals, and our working relationship improved significantly. The project we worked on was successful because we learned to complement each other's strengths.
STAR Method Example
I was paired with a colleague on a project who communicated very bluntly and rarely volunteered information. I prefer collaborative, open discussion, so our working styles clashed immediately and I found our interactions tense.
I needed to find a way to work with this person effectively to deliver the project on time, without letting personal friction compromise the quality of our work.
Instead of avoiding the issue, I suggested we have a quick chat about how we could work together more smoothly. I asked how they preferred to receive updates and found they worked best with brief written summaries rather than verbal discussions. I adapted my communication to match their preference, and in return I asked if they could flag blockers earlier so I could plan around them. We agreed on a simple shared tracking document that suited us both.
Our working relationship improved noticeably within a week. The project was delivered on time, and we actually received positive feedback from our manager on how well our complementary skills had been utilised. The experience taught me that making the first move to bridge a communication gap usually pays off.
Tips
- Show you take responsibility for the relationship
- Emphasize adapting your approach
- Focus on shared goals
- Include a positive outcome