ECQ 2: Leading People Flashcards
Describe a situation where you mediated a conflict between team members.
Situation: While serving as the Chief of Infrastructure and Operations at the Defense Health Agency (DHA), I encountered a situation where two of my team members, John and Sarah, had a major disagreement regarding the approach to a critical project. Their disagreement escalated to the point where it started affecting the entire team’s morale and productivity.
Task: Understanding the potential impact on the project’s success and the team’s cohesion, I knew I had to intervene and mediate the situation. My objective was to resolve their conflict in a fair and diplomatic manner, ensuring both parties felt heard and validated.
Action: I scheduled a private meeting with both John and Sarah. I began by letting each of them express their viewpoints without interruption, ensuring they both felt heard. I then highlighted the shared goals of the project and the importance of teamwork. Using practical communication techniques, I facilitated a discussion where they could brainstorm possible solutions together. By focusing on the project’s end goal and emphasizing the value each brought to the table, I encouraged them to find common ground.
Result: By the end of our discussion, John and Sarah agreed on a compromise that combined the strengths of their respective approaches. This not only resolved their immediate conflict but also fostered a sense of mutual respect between them. The project proceeded without further issues, and the entire team’s morale and productivity improved. Through this experience, I was reminded of the importance of diplomacy, fairness, and clear communication in conflict resolution.
How do you nurture the professional growth of your team members?
Situation: While serving as the Chief of Infrastructure and Operations at the Defense Health Agency (DHA), I observed a need for continuous skill development in our rapidly evolving IT landscape.
Task: My challenge was to boost the professional growth of my team members, making sure they were equipped for current and future IT advancements.
Action: I set up a mentorship program pairing experienced members with newer ones. I also provided access to workshops and courses for skill enhancement. To better support individual growth, I shifted from annual reviews to monthly check-ins. I also encouraged team members to explore new IT technologies and share their findings.
Result: These efforts led to a more skilled and adaptive team, higher job satisfaction, and an increase in internal promotions. Our dedication to continuous learning significantly contributed to our department’s success.
Share a project or initiative you are particularly proud of. Why was it successful?
Situation: As the Chief Information Officer at Brooke Army Medical Center, I undertook the significant responsibility of leading a team to implement the ED Essentris system in our Emergency Department. Our aim was to transition from paper-based documentation to a more streamlined digital system for patient data.
Task: My primary objective was to completely replace the existing paper-based documentation system with the ED Essentris system.
Action: I kick-started the project by assembling a dedicated team, ensuring each member was assigned roles based on their expertise. Emphasizing the importance of clear communication, I regularly convened meetings to keep everyone updated and aligned with the project’s objectives. Whenever challenges arose, I adopted a proactive approach, addressing and rectifying issues promptly to maintain momentum.
Result: Thanks to our collaborative efforts and proactive approach, we successfully deployed the ED Essentris system. This transformation had a profound impact: workflows became more efficient, patient care and safety were elevated, and the overall operational efficiency of the center improved substantially.
