Interviewer: What do you do when you have a problem with a colleague?
Karen: The first thing that I do when I have a problem with a colleague is to take some time to think about the situation. I think about what I want to say and what is the best way to tell him or her. Then, I will ask the person to speak privately. After I explain how I feel, I will listen to them.
Interviewer: Have you ever had to actually do this?
Karen: Yes. I did this once with my manager at a previous job.
Interviewer: What was the problem?
Karen: At that time, I felt like I was ready for more responsibility, but I felt like my manager was still treating me like a junior member. So, I asked for a private meeting with my manager and I told her how I felt, and my manager agreed that I was ready for more responsibility.
Interviewer: Then, everything worked out well for you. That’s great.
Karen: Yes. And I have learned from this experience. Whenever I have a problem with a colleague, I try to follow the same steps. It is better and more effective than holding in my feelings and keeping them a secret.
Patterns and Examples
When I have a problem with a colleague, I ____________________.
- When I have a problem with a colleague, I like to sit down with the person privately and talk about it.
- When I have a problem with a colleague, I talk to them directly and honestly about how I feel.
If I ever have a problem with a colleague, the first thing I do is ____________________. Then, I ____________________.
- If I ever have a problem with a colleague, the first thing I do is to take some time to think about it. Then, I sit down with the person and discuss the problem.
- If I ever have a problem with a colleague, the first thing I do is to talk with them privately. Then, I work with them to find a solution.
I handle that kind of situation by ____________________.
- I handle that kind of situation by ignoring small problems and only talking about it if it becomes a major problem.
- I handle that kind of situation by discussing the issue at a meeting with other people so we can hear many peoples’ opinions about the situation.
