What is the hiring manager looking for?

Hiring managers want to know if you have the emotional intelligence and leadership skills to navigate the challenges of change management. They want to see that you can take a strategic and structured approach to leading your team through change, and that you can effectively communicate the benefits of change to gain buy-in.

How to structure your answer

To answer this interview question effectively, follow these steps:
– Start with a brief overview of the situation where you faced resistance to change within your team.
– Explain the specific change that was being implemented and why it was necessary.
– Describe the resistance you encountered, including how it was expressed and by whom.
– Discuss the strategies you used to overcome resistance, focusing on your communication and leadership skills.
– Highlight the positive outcomes that resulted from your efforts, and how the change ultimately benefited the team and the organization.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips for answering effectively:
– Be honest: Don’t sugarcoat the situation or exaggerate your success.
– Focus on your actions: Emphasize the specific steps you took to overcome resistance and the positive impact your actions had.
– Quantify your results: If possible, provide concrete examples of how your efforts led to positive outcomes.
– Avoid blaming: Don’t blame individuals or groups for the resistance. Instead, focus on your role as a leader in overcoming it.

Things to avoid:
– Don’t get defensive: If the interviewer asks tough questions, don’t take it personally. Stay calm and professional.
– Don’t ramble: Be concise and to the point. Hiring managers don’t have time for long-winded answers.
– Don’t be vague: Use specific examples and stories to illustrate your points.

Example interview answers to this question

Strong sample answer 1:

“In my previous role, our team was tasked with implementing a new software system. Initially, many team members were resistant to the change, as they were comfortable with the existing system and didn’t see the need for change. To overcome this resistance, I first held a team meeting to explain the benefits of the new system and how it would improve our productivity and efficiency. I also encouraged my team members to ask questions and share their concerns. By actively listening to their feedback and addressing their concerns, I was able to build trust and reduce their resistance to change. Ultimately, the implementation of the new system was a success, and my team quickly adapted and embraced the change.”

This answer is strong because it:
– Provides a clear overview of the situation and the specific change being implemented.
– Describes the resistance encountered and the strategies used to overcome it.
– Highlights the positive outcomes that resulted from the change, demonstrating the candidate’s leadership skills and ability to manage resistance.

Strong sample answer 2:

“In my previous role, I led a team of engineers in the development of a new product. During the development process, we encountered several challenges and setbacks. Some team members became discouraged and resistant to change, fearing that the project would fail. To address this, I organized regular team meetings to encourage open communication and feedback. I also provided clear direction and support to my team, and consistently reminded them of the importance of the project and its potential impact. By fostering a positive and supportive team culture, I was able to overcome resistance and keep my team motivated and focused on the task at hand. Ultimately, we successfully developed and launched the new product, which was a huge success for the company.”

This answer is strong because it:
– Provides a clear overview of the situation and the challenges encountered.
– Explains the specific strategies used to overcome resistance, focusing on the candidate’s communication and leadership skills.
– Highlights the positive outcomes that resulted from the change, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to motivate and inspire their team.