TLDR: Empathy + Action Wins
Interviewers are not testing whether you have faced conflict. They are testing how you respond to it. Strong answers show emotional intelligence, initiative, and measurable results.
🎥 What This Episode Covers
In Episode 6 of the interview series, Leshore breaks down how to answer:
“Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult person.”
He shares a real example from a previous role where he was paired with a lead who had a strict communication style.
This lead often shut down ideas during sprint planning, creating a bottleneck that slowed the entire production cycle.
Instead of taking it personally or escalating the tension, Leshore chose a different approach.
🧠 The Strategy That Changed the Outcome
1. Seek Understanding First
Rather than complaining, he scheduled a one-on-one conversation to understand the lead’s perspective.
He discovered that what appeared to be difficult behavior was actually a high concern for project risk.
The issue was not personality. It was priority.
2. Adapt Your Approach
Instead of pitching ideas alone, he began presenting each idea alongside a risk mitigation plan.
He demonstrated how the proposed changes would not break the system or introduce unnecessary risk.
That shift reframed the conversation.
3. Deliver Measurable Results
The defensiveness dropped.
A new workflow was established.
Deployment speed increased by 15 percent.
What began as friction turned into partnership.
They became a highly effective duo.
🧩 Why This Answer Works in Interviews
This response shows:
• Emotional intelligence
• Initiative
• Strategic communication
• Adaptability
• Measurable impact
It reframes “difficult people” as individuals with different goals or priorities.
Once alignment is established, the difficulty often disappears.
Interviewers want candidates who can manage tension without escalating it and who can drive results even in imperfect situations.
Want to Master the Hardest Interview Questions
Every week, we break down real interview questions with structured answers that help you land internships and jobs faster.
Follow the series and start practicing before your next interview.
