Step1
“How to deal with work related stress?”
Let’s see. Talented people like to strive so they’re competitive and stress in low quantities is a good thing for them. How can one project that?
My answer: “I do consider myself a fairly competitive individual. I work hard and want to do my best, so I do have some stress at times. But that’s usually a good thing, because it helps me do well. In the past years, I pursue a well-rounded life. At work I like to drink lots of water, eat small meals, and take short breaks here and there to rejuvenate my mind. Obviously, sometimes breaks can’t be taken, like in the middle of important meetings. In that case, I push through the stress and relax and detach after its over. When I’m in the zone, I like to be in there 100%. When I go home, I try to relax from work, just sitting and doing some reading. I usually get plenty of rest, so that I’m energized in the morning. All of these tasks combined, gives me my minimal stress level.”
Explanation:
I do show that I’m competitive and committed to success. So like a normal human being, I do experience stress. But I actively do things to limit that stress to a minimum. Again, I don’t let these activities take away from my work. I take breaks when I can, and when I can’t I don’t.
Step2
“How to deal with gossiping co-workers?”
Wow…now are you one of those tattle-tails? Remember when were kids “I’m going to tell my mommy on you.” Are you going to confront them and hurt company culture or are you going to stand there and take it? All of them are bad. Again we strive to get to the middle-line.
My answer: “Well usually when this happens, that person wants something. Either that or they just have a really bad habit and years of negative programming; which in this case I couldn’t help them. But if we had the first case, I’d try to change it around and approach them as a friend. If the gossiping went on, I’d tell them nicely that it’s not a good thing to do. My professor said that it’s important to tell a supervisor if this continues after you try to resolve it. This would be important because I wouldn’t want to hurt the company culture or the morale of others. I would ask the supervisor what we could do and if there is anything that I can help with. I’m confident that this will easily resolve the issue.”
Explanation:
I want to show that I’m a caring individual, but I also don’t want to hurt the company culture. So if what I did doesn’t work, I’d go back to the supervisor. You show that you’re a caring person on so many levels. Try to come with an answer that has some of these qualities and you’ll be fine.
Authority 
