He suggests employers ask these questions, and candidates be ready to answer them (with concrete examples for each):

Give me an example of an obstacle you faced and what you did that involved:

• not having the skills to do what was expected of you.
• not being able to develop skills you needed and having to attain and use resources outside yourself and your group/department.
• having to attain and use resources outside your company.
• not being clear with what you were being asked by a superior who intimidated you.
• having to gain cooperation from people within your group or from another part of your organisation who appeared non-cooperative or kept putting you off.
• dealing with downsizing in your department or group.
• dealing with a reprimand or negative performance review.
• having to hold accountable and confront a difficult person about something they were doing wrong or something they were failing to do.
• dealing with a mistake you’ve made.
• dealing with the biggest setback in your career.