Describe a recent project where you were responsible for managing multiple people or teams. What were some of the key challenges and how did you handle those challenges?
"The main challenge was learning how to communicate effectively with all the different people on the team and understanding what motivates them to do a great job.
In some instances, I communicated through the supervisor, who's best-equipped to motivate his team members. After all, he sees them on a daily basis and is responsible for their performance. So I just set very clear expectations of what needs to be done, by when, and at what standards of quality. If we aren't meeting the standards that we need, then I coach the supervisor in leadership and help him or her get the best out of his team.
In other instances, I communicated directly with the individuals. It isn't so different from communicating with a supervisor. You just have to set clear expectations and help them remove any obstacles. You measure their performance and mentor them on how to perform at the level that you need them to."
Consider recent projects, with multiple people or teams involved, that ended up successful due to your leadership. Be sure to explain the context of the story so the interviewer can follow along with the scenario. Share certain details like if you were going through a transition of owners, if you led a property event, offered a resident life event, went through a program addition or add a new building, or took on a construction or large maintenance project. Begin by giving the interviewer a high-level overview of the project including the purpose of the project, what teams or people you were responsible for, and your role in managing the teams. Next, share what hiccups you encountered during the project, stating them as facts. Be sure to mention that you realize challenges are going to occur with projects, and you understand it is your responsibility to help maneuver through the challenges with ease. Next, share how you tackled each of the mentioned hiccups, and finally, share the successful outcome of the project because of your leadership!
"In a recent project I spearheaded, the main challenge was learning how to communicate effectively with all the different people on the team and understanding what motivated them to do a great job. For this project, we were planning and executing a welcome event for the students in one of our residential properties at the start of the school year.
In order to keep communication clear, I communicated through the supervisor of the building in some instances, who was best-equipped to motivate his team members. After all, he saw them on a daily basis and was responsible for their performance. So, I set very clear expectations of what needed to be done, with a specific deadline, and at what standards of quality. If we weren't meeting the standards that we agreed upon, then I would coach the supervisor in leadership and help him or her get the best out of his team.
In other instances, I communicated directly with the employees who worked most with this property. It wasn't so different from communicating with a supervisor. I made sure to set clear expectations and help them remove any obstacles. I measured their performance and mentored them to accomplish each task. In the end, due to my leadership and the relationships I'd built with the team, we pulled off a very successful and well-attended event to welcome students back to campus."
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
In my previous position with Elderwood the owners wanted to do a complete renovation of the community. It had to be done in stages and with little disruption to our residents as they were all elderly. The project had to be carefully planned with families being made aware of what was up and coming and scheduling the moves within the planned renovation schedule. I had to work with maintenance and all the various other departments to ensure that the units were ready for move-in as well as resetting their new apartments in a timely manner.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is a great specific example! It sounds like you navigated competing priorities with grace!
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