Working with difficult people is an experience we’ve all encountered at some point in our lives. This topic is not only relevant to our personal experiences but also a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. In fact, questions about challenging workplace situations have been increasingly popular in recent years and are likely to remain so in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about work and collaboration. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you prefer working alone or in a team?
A: I generally prefer working in a team, as I believe collaboration can lead to more creative solutions and better outcomes. However, I also appreciate the focused productivity that comes with working alone on certain tasks. It really depends on the nature of the project and the specific goals we’re trying to achieve.
describe a person who inspires you to achieve your goals
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you worked with someone difficult
You should say:
- Who this person was
- What made them difficult to work with
- How you handled the situation
- And explain how this experience affected you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about a time when I had to work with a difficult colleague on a project at my previous job. This person was a senior team member named John, who was known for being quite demanding and inflexible.
What made John difficult to work with was his tendency to micromanage every aspect of the project. He would constantly check up on my progress and often criticize my work without offering constructive feedback. This created a lot of tension and stress in our working relationship.
To handle the situation, I tried to maintain open communication with John. I scheduled regular meetings to discuss the project’s progress and asked for specific feedback on areas where he thought I could improve. I also made an effort to demonstrate my competence by consistently delivering high-quality work on time.
This experience taught me the importance of patience and professionalism in challenging work situations. It also helped me develop better communication skills and the ability to adapt to different working styles. Overall, while it was a stressful experience, it ultimately made me a more resilient and versatile team player.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to recount an experience I had collaborating with a particularly challenging colleague during a critical project at my former workplace. The individual in question was Sarah, a senior account manager renowned for her exacting standards and somewhat abrasive demeanor.
What rendered Sarah exceptionally difficult to work with was her propensity for micromanagement coupled with a seemingly insatiable appetite for perfection. She had a habit of scrutinizing every minute detail of our work and would often offer scathing criticism without providing constructive guidance. This created a palpable atmosphere of tension and significantly impeded our team’s productivity.
To navigate this challenging situation, I adopted a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I initiated regular, structured communication with Sarah, scheduling weekly meetings to discuss project milestones and address any concerns. I also made a concerted effort to anticipate her expectations and proactively seek her input on key decisions. Additionally, I documented all our interactions and agreements to ensure clarity and accountability.
This experience proved to be immensely enlightening and contributed significantly to my professional growth. It honed my diplomatic skills and taught me the value of maintaining composure under pressure. Moreover, it underscored the importance of adaptability in the workplace and the need to find common ground even in the most challenging interpersonal dynamics. Ultimately, this experience has made me a more resilient, empathetic, and effective team player, skills that have proven invaluable in my subsequent career endeavors.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How did this experience change your approach to teamwork?
A (Band 6-7): This experience made me more aware of different working styles. Now, I try to be more patient and understanding when working with others, and I focus on clear communication to avoid misunderstandings.
A (Band 8-9): This experience was truly transformative in terms of my approach to teamwork. It heightened my emotional intelligence and made me more adept at reading interpersonal dynamics. I now place a greater emphasis on establishing clear channels of communication from the outset of any collaboration and am more proactive in addressing potential conflicts before they escalate.
describe a time when you worked with a difficult team member
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: What qualities do you think are essential for effective teamwork?
A (Band 6-7): I believe good communication and mutual respect are crucial for effective teamwork. It’s also important to be open-minded and willing to compromise when working with others.
A (Band 8-9): In my experience, several qualities are indispensable for fostering effective teamwork. Paramount among these is the ability to communicate clearly and empathetically. Equally important is cultivating an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, where team members feel valued and heard. Additionally, a high degree of adaptability and emotional intelligence are crucial, as they enable team members to navigate diverse personalities and working styles. Lastly, I believe a shared commitment to the team’s objectives and a willingness to subordinate individual egos for the collective good are essential for truly synergistic collaboration.
Q: How can companies promote better collaboration among employees?
A (Band 6-7): Companies can promote better collaboration by organizing team-building activities and providing training on communication skills. They can also create open office spaces to encourage more interaction among employees.
A (Band 8-9): There are numerous strategies companies can employ to foster a culture of collaboration. Firstly, they can implement robust onboarding programs that emphasize the importance of teamwork from day one. Additionally, investing in state-of-the-art collaboration tools and platforms can facilitate seamless communication and project management. Companies can also design office spaces that promote spontaneous interactions and cross-departmental pollination of ideas. Furthermore, instituting mentorship programs and cross-functional projects can help break down silos and encourage knowledge sharing. Lastly, recognizing and rewarding collaborative efforts can reinforce the value the company places on teamwork and motivate employees to seek out collaborative opportunities.
describe a situation where you handled a conflict
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Demanding (adjective) – /dɪˈmændɪŋ/ – requiring a lot of time, attention, or effort
Example: The project was demanding, requiring long hours and intense concentration.Micromanage (verb) – /ˈmaɪkrəʊˌmænɪdʒ/ – to control every part of a situation, even the small details
Example: Some leaders tend to micromanage their teams, which can lead to frustration among employees.Tension (noun) – /ˈtenʃn/ – a feeling of nervousness or stress in a situation
Example: There was palpable tension in the room during the difficult negotiation.Resilient (adjective) – /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to recover quickly from difficult conditions
Example: Successful entrepreneurs are often highly resilient in the face of setbacks.Scrutinize (verb) – /ˈskruːtənaɪz/ – to examine something very carefully
Example: The manager scrutinized every detail of the proposal before giving his approval.Palpable (adjective) – /ˈpælpəbl/ – so intense as to be almost tangible
Example: There was a palpable sense of excitement in the air on the day of the launch.Diplomatic (adjective) – /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ – having or showing an ability to deal with people in a sensitive and tactful way
Example: Her diplomatic approach helped resolve the conflict between team members.Empathetic (adjective) – /ˌempəˈθetɪk/ – showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Example: An empathetic manager is better equipped to handle team dynamics and personal issues.
describe a time when you felt accomplished
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing challenging workplace situations:
- Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to work and interpersonal relationships.
- Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
- Demonstrate your ability to analyze situations from multiple perspectives.
- Show awareness of different cultural approaches to workplace conflict and collaboration.
- Practice speaking about workplace scenarios to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural intonation, and a confident delivery.
describe a person who you think is very wise
IELTS Speaking practice on difficult coworkers
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about challenging workplace situations in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!