Interview Question - "How would you deal with a colleague not pulling their weight"?

It's very likely the OP is doing an interview for the Civil/Public Service.

Yeah it’s a strange enough question for a non management role but… - it’s really testing competencies though. And furthermore, a colleague dossing their hole off doesn’t necessarily impact you directly unless you are reliant on them in some ways to complete your role.

a few positive pointers:

Doing what’s in your control and sphere of influence

Coaching the colleague where possible and time allows

Demonstrating good practice which could influence colleague over time

Nurturing a positive can do working environment which again may help to influence others positively

Yes ultimately referring to a manager is open to you - but I’m reading this more as a question around how might you develop a good working culture in your workplace ?

Obviously if issues continue that impact your ability to do the job then yes, referring to a manager is likely the only option open to you - but maybe the question is testing your resilience ?

A previous story where this occurred and your successful ability and efforts to overcome this challenge are likely what the interviewer is looking for

Depends how much you want this job I guess or to what degree you have the skills to deal with the situation -this is not an uncommon situation- if referring to manger is the response for all challenges such as this then, well good luck at the interview- you’ll need it when jobs are in shorter supply which is something that’s coming soon

Sure- say that at your next interview so.

Kindly point out to me where I recommended to “order your peers around” .

In your own time

So you can’t - fine- you do your thing I’ll do mine

Standard public civil sector interview question from Assistant Staff Officer/ Executive Officer up.

Generally the answer the interviewer wants to hear is what you did in relation to them not pulling their weight, so in this instance ask them if they are ok etc outside of work and let them know their lack of performance is harming the team. Next stage if this does not work is escalation to line manager.

Don’t worry about it - have a cigar