If you had a co-worker call in sick and you were asked to take over their project requiring overtime from you, how would you react? Where do you draw the line when it comes to being a team player?
There is a fine line between being a team player and being taken advantage of, especially when it stands to throw off your work-life balance and compromises your own work priorities and projects. So this question explores how you balance your concept of professional collaboration with your time management skills. If you've had similar experiences, suggest how you navigated them by taking into consideration the needs of the team balanced with your own needs, while respecting the chain of command, exhibiting your communication skills, and your emotional intelligence. If you weren't able to accommodate such a request, explain how you navigated such terrain while still showcasing your ability to be a team player.
"I will always choose to be a team player. If I had a co-worker call in sick, I would take over what I could. The only time I would draw the line would be if I felt I was being taken advantage of for some reason. For example, if they were purposefully being inefficient and expecting me to pick up the slack. For the sake of the company, I am always willing to go above and beyond expectations."
"Teamwork is important to me, and I am always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty for the good of the organization for which I work. So long as I am not being taken advantage of, I will happily step in to assist."
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
Teamwork is important to me and I try to empathize with people on my teams, so it's certainly something that happens and I'm definitely willing to pick up the slack for teammates who aren't available. In my current role, there are definitely times when someone is on holiday or sick that I have taken up the slack. I think where I would draw the line is if it felt like there was no reciprocity or if it was clear that work was being avoided because it was something they didn't want to do. In cases like that, I've asked directly for clarification about the situation to get a better understanding of their position. Typically there are some extenuating circumstances.
Marcie's Feedback
Perfect! This is a great answer because it shows how important teamwork is to you and that you won't allow yourself to get walked all over either. Nice!
Unlock all 35 BHP Billiton plc questions
Prepare for technical and behavioral questions from global mining leaders.
Get Started