Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?
Cruise ships are heavily cross-functional since many departments and personnel often work closely together to ensure things run smoothly. Your interviewer is curious how adaptable you are to coordinating with others, and how you answer could offer insights into your interpersonal skills.
"I have worked in many cross-functional environments. Currently, I lead the dining service team and collaborate with the kitchen management and bartending staff very regularly. We all work well together to ensure an amazing dining experience for our guests."
"The cruise line which I currently work for is highly collaborative. We are a 'complete guest experience' organization, so we have meetings together with our casino, watersports, entertainment and excursions, dining staff, and also our cabin crew on a daily basis. Goals are clear, and we all understand how each department works to complement the other."
"Based on the nature of this position, it would seem that I would have to occasionally work with other related behind-the-scenes teams. I am a people person and have no problem working across teams. I consider myself an ambassador in every way. Also, if I were to venture into a common area and a passenger comes to me with a concern, I would make sure to direct them to someone who could help them, or find someone who could help them and send that person to them."
