How often do you discuss work with your colleagues in order to think up new systems and styles of working?
This question aims to assess how collaborative by nature you are and delves into your concept of teamwork. Focus on the collaboration involved in teamwork. Try to set yourself up as a trusted resource of information, getting the others in your team engaged. Offer an example of a rewarding collaborative experience in a team environment. Using the STAR method, break down the Situation, the Task at hand, the Action that was taken, and the Result of the team collaboration. Then, describe your part in it, your positive take on it, and the rewards of the experience. The old adage, "There is no 'I' in team," should be driven home in your answer.
"I have a policy with my team that if they have an innovative and helpful idea they can bring it to me at any time. If my team member's idea or system is something that I think could work, we create a plan to present it to our head office. This policy has generated some compelling ideas in our office over the past three years including a work-share program and some health and safety initiatives."
"I think it is important to discuss work with colleagues in a collaborative nature to encourage all types of ideas to come forth. Often, when people put their heads together, they will create something better than something one individual could have done alone."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I often discuss and share ideas to come up with a more innovative way of doing work safely.
Rachelle's Feedback
Good start! Can you talk about a recent example? How do you communicate ideas with your team members?
Anonymous Answer
First of all, I love nothing more than to talk shop; my wife cannot stand it. So my door is always open to talk about work. At ________, we had a supplier who delivered detergents and finished fuel additives. As we generally kept good relationships with our suppliers tender processes were not common in that business unit but we had reached an impasse with the supplier where they weren't able to deliver the marketing features we were looking for. In a meeting with some senior staff, I mentioned that we might consider going through a tender process for products to allow us to compare and contrast our options. In the end, we switched suppliers as there were clear product and monetary benefits to making the change. We ended up saving 1.2 million per year on that change. I think the point is that I tend to draw on previous experience and try to think of how I can apply it to new roles. That's one example, but I think having the courage to pose questions and talk openly can lead to great opportunities.
Marcie's Feedback
Lol. Your first sentence is funny. :) Your example is very powerful (1.2M; wow!) This is a strong answer; great job!
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