How to Answer: What type of employees do you find difficult to manage?
19. What type of employees do you find difficult to manage?
How to Answer
As a manager, you will be required to lead a great variety of personality types. The interviewer wants to have confidence that you can lead various individuals, regardless of their personality or a difference of opinion. Discuss with the interviewer the type of personalities that you find most challenging to manage and why. Be sure to provide the interviewer with your solution to these challenges and show your competence in handling various personalities and work styles.
Answer Example
"I find it most challenging to lead individuals who are not self-motivated. When a person has low ambition, it takes targeted tactics to build their enthusiasm on the job. As a manager, I can do a few things to encourage participation. These actions include getting to know each team member on an individual basis. Once I know what motivates them outside of work, I can typically personalize my in-office motivational approach. I put in the effort to identify their needs as individuals and then speak to those needs to boost their motivation levels. If the employee does not want to change, I cannot force the change. However, I will do what I can to make sure they feel satisfied on the job and want to perform for their team and their company."
Admin
"I have come across administrators who are disinterested with their job or the company. What I have found most challenging is that they will continue doing the bare minimum at work rather than voice a desire for change or additional opportunities. To address situations like this, I do what I can to let the person choose some of their tasks and projects. I have found that when I give a person more control over their work, they are more likely to take responsibility and put enthusiasm into their work."
Manager
"I find it difficult to manage associates who are disinterested or resistant to engagement with the team. Every employee brings challenges at times, yet I look for the strengths they bring to the team and if they are willing to share those strengths with their teammates. Some tasks are low status by nature, and we all have them. Those aren't going to generate motivation. So, to ensure there is balance, I make sure that every team member has a variety of tasks and responsibilities that speak to their talents and interests."
Marketing
"While this is atypical in the marketing world, I find uninterested people difficult to manage. It's hard to lead a collaborative, cohesive team if there's a person with no interest in collaboration or teamwork. When this situation happens, I try to get to know the person and understand what motivates them outside of work. Once I learn more about their motivating factors, I can incorporate that to boost their level of professional interest."
Retail
"My biggest challenge is the employee who has no interest in being a team player. I can handle almost any personality or quirk. Still, if a team member is not motivated to help others or join in for the greater good, this not only bothers me on a professional level but also I find it quite hard to coach. To deal with this type of employee, I will hold a one-on-one meeting to express collaboration expectations and introduce a performance plan if needed. Expectations will be made clear, as will consequences if the behavior is not corrected."
Sales
"I feel as though I can adapt to most employees, but what challenges me most is someone looking to skate by with no real ambition or effort. I do my best to find ways to motivate any and every employee. Even if they are not vying for the next promotion or to be a top salesperson, I feel there is some motivation factor, whether it's a learning opportunity, transferring to a different department, or some form of recognition. Everyone deserves the same level of respect, so I will work hard to uncover each team members' motivating factors before taking corrective measures."
Teacher
"The students I find most challenging to lead are the ones who do not believe in themselves. They are often cynical about tasks and their abilities. I will plant seeds of belief in them, and along the way, they usually come out of the cloud and begin to see how smart they are! That turning point is exciting for me as a teacher, especially as I see a positive impact on their grades and their social connections in the classroom."
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