How do you deal with a coworker when they stand in the way of your progress at work?
Even some of the best coworkers who are hard-working and entertaining can distract you from getting things done at work. Let's be honest, the funny and entertaining coworkers who like to chat online and send you YouTube videos are often the ones who can get in the way of your productivity. This question gives you a chance to talk about how you set healthy boundaries at work. It can be a difficult task, but you can handle it! Show off your ability to listen and communicate what you need from your coworkers, especially when you need space!
"I typically just set the boundary and tell my coworker that I really need to focus, but I'd love to catch up with them at lunch. I've learned to set aside time to take breaks and spend time with coworkers, so I usually just let them know when I'll be available."
"If I have a coworker who is being a distraction, I will temporarily relocate my work-space or I will ask them to allow me to concentrate. If a coworker understands that you are under deadline or pressure, that usually helps them to understand your need for space."
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 typically just set the boundary and tell my coworker that I really need to focus, but I'd love to catch up with them at lunch. I've learned to set aside time to take breaks and spend time with coworkers, so I usually just let them know when I'll be available.
Amanda's Feedback
Coworkers can sometimes keep you from accomplishing tasks without realizing what they're doing. While it's important to maintain strong, positive coworker relationships, it's equally important to set boundaries so that your work performance doesn't suffer. Because this is a situational question, you can make this answer stronger by sharing a specific example of a time when you've had to address a situation where a coworker was standing in the way of your progress, how your coworker responded, and what you were able to accomplish because you set the appropriate boundary.
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