#nomad planner

It's a trick question. 

You're not supposed to just choose one.

Depending on the nature of the tasks...some, you'd be better off working alone (I can list a couple of reasons why this is a good thing - efficiency, control, ability to reflect, etc.)

Having said that, we are unknowingly trained by the corporate world to say that 'we're a team player'. It's something people expect you to say. It's an ideal answer. 

Underneath it all though, my intuition tells me to stick to my honesty whenever I get asked that question. 

I like to work alone. 

But somehow the statement above is hardly an ideal response to the question. In the professional context, there's a perceived implication that 'you don't like working in a team, if you were to like working alone'. 

Unfair.

I like to work alone. And that's not to say that I am not a team player.

I am a true believer that problems is not solved by one person magically coming up with a solution. We are a 'herd' species. We stick together to solve problems. Our ancestors endured the hardship of humankind together long before you and I came into this messy world - not alone. Sure enough there's a leader of the pack, but he or she is just as clueless as you and I are (albeit he or she might have more experiences and traits that land them there as a leader of the pack).

But the corporate culture have made us believe that 'teamwork' is the way to harmoniously work with others and achieved a desired common goal. 

In theory, it sounds great. In reality, could this notion backfire at us when one or two in your team does all the heavy lifting and the rest enjoy the glory of the team's success?

My point is.....when we formulate a response/point of view is our head, we are already working alone. We work alone to reconcile the logic inside our minds before we even dare to put it across to the 'team' that we work with. 

Great minds in this world would rather work alone. They've got talent, the gut, and a passion. Sure they might be influenced or helped by others along the way. But at the end of the day...it's their tenacity and true belief in themselves (not the team) that move them from good to great.

Back to the question in the title of this post. Don't get me wrong. There's a way out. Say both, but elaborate on why you think so. 

It's a trick question after all. If the person who asks you that is smart enough, they will appreciate the honesty (hopefully!).