One approach to answering this question could be to use the STAR method:
S – Situation: Explain the context of the situation. For example, describe the team, the goal, and the challenge that needed to be overcome.
T – Task: Describe the task you were given and what needed to be done to achieve the goal.
A – Action: Explain what you did to motivate the team. Be specific about your actions and why you chose those specific actions.
R – Result: Discuss the outcome of your actions. Emphasize what was achieved, and how the team was motivated to reach the goal.
Example answer:
“One example of a time when I had to motivate a team to achieve a goal was when I was leading a project at my previous company. The project was to launch a new product in a tight deadline, and the team was feeling overwhelmed and demotivated.
I identified that the team needed clear direction and regular feedback on their progress. I also recognized that some team members were feeling left out and not valued, so I made a deliberate effort to involve them more in the decision-making process.
To motivate the team, I created a clear action plan, broke the goal into smaller, manageable tasks, and assigned specific responsibilities to each team member. I also regularly checked in with each team member to provide feedback, recognize their contributions, and offer support.
As a result of my efforts, the team became more engaged and motivated. They stepped up their game, and we were able to launch the new product successfully within the tight deadline. It was a great example of what a motivated and empowered team can achieve.”