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American Express Mock Interview

Question 30 of 35 for our American Express Mock Interview

American Express was updated by on June 14th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 30 of 35

As a leader, what bothers you the most about your staff?

"I try to be ever vigilant in enhancing communication. So, it frustrates me when someone's vulnerabilities, for whatever reason, results in assumptions, dissent, or a communication breakdown between staff and management. Let's say an employee had a bad fight with their spouse on their way to work or some other issue in their lives has caused them to experience unhappiness. Being pulled into too many directions, that unhappiness ends up projected at work. Whenever I identify this, I try to redirect it and help in any way that I can. I want our work environment, our team environment, to feel like an escape from those external pressures. It's frustrating, it's a part of life, and sometimes a part of the job."

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How to Answer: As a leader, what bothers you the most about your staff?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an American Express job interview.

  • 30. As a leader, what bothers you the most about your staff?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Doing your best comes easy when things go your way. They want to assess how you cope and channel your frustration in a team environment.

      Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022

      How to Answer

      The point here is to stay positive. You want to exude a sense of emotional maturity and that you have a firm handle on your emotions.

      Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022

      What to Avoid

      Avoid negative words or situational examples that come across as negative. Avoid singling out anyone in particular when framing your example. Stay general in your example and remain positive.

      Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022

      1st Answer Example

      "I try to be ever vigilant in enhancing communication. So, it frustrates me when someone's vulnerabilities, for whatever reason, results in assumptions, dissent, or a communication breakdown between staff and management. Let's say an employee had a bad fight with their spouse on their way to work or some other issue in their lives has caused them to experience unhappiness. Being pulled into too many directions, that unhappiness ends up projected at work. Whenever I identify this, I try to redirect it and help in any way that I can. I want our work environment, our team environment, to feel like an escape from those external pressures. It's frustrating, it's a part of life, and sometimes a part of the job."

      Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022

      2nd Answer Example

      "It frustrates me when micro-breaks aren't being used. I encourage my team to take micro-breaks, and more often than not, I feel like I'm pulling teeth trying to get them to take them. That's one reason I love the model of bringing your pet to work. It's good to have a stress reliever that proves as an incentive to take a micro-break. It's proven to enhance productivity and prevent burnout. So, it's frustrating for me that employees everywhere struggle so hard to do something that not only is good for them, but it's also something they want."

      Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "When I assign a task, I want it to be completed within the required time limit unless there is some unavoidable situation."

      Chad's Feedback

      Good answer! As a leader, it is a realistic expectation that staff are completing the work that is assigned to them by the agreed-upon deadline. Consider including an example that demonstrates how you have dealt with staff in the past who fail to complete tasks and meet their deliverables, while also highlighting your qualities as a leader.

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