How would you handle a situation where a top-performing engineer on your team consistently misses team meetings or deadlines, but their individual output is exceptional?
What the Interviewer is Looking For:
- Leadership Skills: The ability to address issues head-on, demonstrate empathy, and navigate challenging personnel situations.
- Team Dynamics Understanding: Recognizing the importance of team cohesion and the potential negative impact one individual can have on team morale, regardless of their individual output.
- Conflict Resolution: The aptitude to address conflict in a constructive manner, seeking understanding, and aiming for a resolution that benefits both the individual and the team.
- Balancing Individual vs. Team Needs: Weighing the value of a top performer against the overall health and productivity of the team.
Example Response:
"In my experience, the cohesion and overall health of the team are paramount, even when dealing with high-performing individuals. First, I'd have a private one-on-one conversation with the engineer to understand the root cause of their behavior. It's essential to approach this from a position of empathy and genuine concern, rather than reprimand. There could be personal issues or other valid reasons for their behavior that we're not aware of.
If it's a matter of them not seeing the value in the meetings or the set deadlines, I'd work with them to understand their perspective while also communicating the importance of these aspects for the team's overall dynamics and productivity. It's possible they might not be aware of the broader implications of their actions on the team's morale and performance.
However, if the behavior continues, it might be necessary to implement more concrete steps. This could range from adjusting their responsibilities, providing them with additional mentorship, or, in extreme cases, re-evaluating if they are a good fit for the team's culture and dynamics. An individual's exceptional output is valuable, but the overall health and productivity of the team are paramount."
