"If I had a stressed-out colleague, I would recommend that they look at the factors that regularly stress them out and create some boundaries surrounding those stressors. Perhaps a colleague keeps interrupting them, resulting in missed deadlines. These distractions need boundaries, so I would start there."

"To help a colleague deal with stress, I would recommend they take the time needed to recharge. It is surprising how many people do not turn off their phones or take the vacation time to which they are entitled. Sometimes a change of pace can fix feelings of stress."

Employees with good stress management skills perform better because they can keep those around them calm and come up with solutions in trying times. Discuss with the interviewer what you would say or do to help a coworker cope with stress. Share with your interviewer how you would support your teammates and promote a stress-free environment. Focus on a story or example that communicates a moment of personal growth.

"If I recognized a colleague was experiencing great stress, I would first validate their feelings. Putting it out there is the first step to relieving some pressure. Then I would offer them a moment to take some deep breaths, give them a pep talk, then get them to focus on facing the first step of their work. I'd hold their hand for a few minutes and walk them through the first steps of their task to help them overcome their task paralysis and get them moving again. Then, as soon as they were focusing on the task at hand and not on the emotions holding them back, I'd let go of their hand and set them to it."