Interview Question - "How would you deal with a colleague not pulling their weight"?

I am me123 · 01-12-2023 3:49pm #1

Anyone have any tips on how to answer this question?

Not really very good with interviews so all help appreciated!

Thank you 😁

Manach · 01-12-2023 3:53pm

Document, as evidence, where this occurs and then inform management who are best equiped to handle it. This shows you can work within the workplace environment and do not cause vexation by confronting the colleague yourself which might cause HR issues.

Jim2007 · 02-12-2023 10:39am

First of all you don't deal with them because you are not their supervisor. Secondly you document your interactions with them and how it impacts your work and performance and nothing more.

LimeFruitGum · 02-12-2023 4:08pm

The answers provided hit the nail on the head.

Having said that OP, a question like that would my ears prick up. What other weak working practices are going on? What is tolerated within that org culture? Be sure to do your research on the company.

Augme · 02-12-2023 4:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121445877#Comment_121445877

It's very likely the OP is doing an interview for the Civil/Public Service.

chrisd2019 · 02-12-2023 8:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058325292/interview-question-how-would-you-deal-with-a-colleague-not-pulling-their-weight

Google the topic and learn a few resulting key words and tailor to your situation, regular question in Public Service interviews, but you would be surprised how many have no answer to this question.

Of course real life situation, you most lightly would not be doing what you will give in your answer!

03-12-2023 8:40pm

Check if the person is struggling and requires any extra training. After that, start documenting their failures to deliver.

gameoverdude · 03-12-2023 8:54pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450464#Comment_121450464

Only if they're a line manager.

That would be their job.

Check if they're struggling? They have their own work to do.

Time to bring it up with your manager during 1:1's. Cover your arse OP.

Oscar_Madison · 03-12-2023 8:54pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121445877#Comment_121445877

Yeah it’s a strange enough question for a non management role but… - it’s really testing competencies though. And furthermore, a colleague dossing their hole off doesn’t necessarily impact you directly unless you are reliant on them in some ways to complete your role.

a few positive pointers:

Doing what’s in your control and sphere of influence

Coaching the colleague where possible and time allows

Demonstrating good practice which could influence colleague over time

Nurturing a positive can do working environment which again may help to influence others positively

Yes ultimately referring to a manager is open to you - but I’m reading this more as a question around how might you develop a good working culture in your workplace ?

Obviously if issues continue that impact your ability to do the job then yes, referring to a manager is likely the only option open to you - but maybe the question is testing your resilience ?

A previous story where this occurred and your successful ability and efforts to overcome this challenge are likely what the interviewer is looking for

gameoverdude · 03-12-2023 9:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450504#Comment_121450504

Coaching them when you're just in the door?

Does this colleague care? Too much hassle for their line manager to deal with?

Bring it up and do your job?

Oscar_Madison · 03-12-2023 9:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450520#Comment_121450520

Depends how much you want this job I guess or to what degree you have the skills to deal with the situation -this is not an uncommon situation- if referring to manger is the response for all challenges such as this then, well good luck at the interview- you’ll need it when jobs are in shorter supply which is something that’s coming soon

gameoverdude · 03-12-2023 9:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450534#Comment_121450534

It's an absolute rubbish question if you're not gong for a supervisory role.

The line manager should be in the know and that's where they rely on their subordinates.

It's a cop out if management expects peers to do their job.

Oscar_Madison · 03-12-2023 9:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450544#Comment_121450544

Sure- say that at your next interview so.

gameoverdude · 03-12-2023 9:18pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450588#Comment_121450588

Seriously? You want to go into a new job ordering your peers around?

I'm presuming they have experience and can do their job.

Crap question and if I was asked that at an interview and not as a linemanager role, I'd be sceptical about the job.

Oscar_Madison · 03-12-2023 9:19pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450611#Comment_121450611

Kindly point out to me where I recommended to “order your peers around” .

In your own time

gameoverdude · 03-12-2023 9:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450624#Comment_121450624

Narky.

Coaching a peer when just in the door?

Sure impart knowledge, but shouldn't they help you out initially.

Still a terrible interview question and would definitely have me doubting the role.

Oscar_Madison · 03-12-2023 9:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450636#Comment_121450636

So you can’t - fine- you do your thing I’ll do mine

gameoverdude · 03-12-2023 9:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450647#Comment_121450647

What are you on about?

Marty1983 · 03-12-2023 9:32pm

Standard public civil sector interview question from Assistant Staff Officer/ Executive Officer up.

Generally the answer the interviewer wants to hear is what you did in relation to them not pulling their weight, so in this instance ask them if they are ok etc outside of work and let them know their lack of performance is harming the team. Next stage if this does not work is escalation to line manager.

I am me123 · 03-12-2023 11:43pm

Thanks all,

Im asking this in the role of a colleague, rather than as a manager, in a team environment.

03-12-2023 11:53pm

I was in a position where I was a supervisor, but had a woeful manager, and mostly great people who reported to me. The thing was that the staff and myself kept things afloat all the time, this worked beautifully when manager could be out sick etc. sadly when she returned from sick leave, holidays etc, she interfered so incompetently with smooth running that everything turned upside down. Eventually removed from service after CCTV evidenced malicious activity.

Flinty997 · 04-12-2023 7:16am

Usual HR competency bs question completely out of touch with the role being interviewed for.

You need to study competency interviews and key words they are looking for in stock answers. It's a point scoring exercise.

An example even a made up one where you have problem, you implemented a solution and that it worked.

Bob didn't like doing the dishwasher, we got him to try peeling potatoes, and he loved it. So he swapped with Connor who hated peeling potatoes. Cafe won 3 Michelin stars afterwards.

I am me123 · 04-12-2023 5:53pm

Thanks all,

In an interview scenario, has anyone ever provided an answer giving a scenario in a general sense, as in, what they WOULD do if faced with such a scenario?

gameoverdude · 07-12-2023 11:08pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121450647#Comment_121450647

What? Did you just throw nonsense words together?

Oscar_Madison · 07-12-2023 11:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121469144#Comment_121469144

Don’t worry about it - have a cigar

gameoverdude · 08-12-2023 1:25am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121469158#Comment_121469158

As I thought

Interview Question - "How would you deal with a colleague not pulling their weight"?

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