What is the hiring manager looking for?

Hiring managers ask this question to assess your ability to handle conflicts, communicate effectively, and resolve issues within a team setting. They want to know how you approach disagreements, maintain professionalism, and find solutions that benefit the team and organization.

How to structure your answer

To effectively answer this question, follow this structure:

* Introduction: Begin by briefly stating the situation and the team member involved.
* Description: Describe the specific details of the conversation, including the nature of the disagreement and your role in it.
* Actions: Explain the actions you took to address the situation. Focus on your communication approach, problem-solving skills, and efforts to maintain a positive and respectful environment.
* Outcome: Share the outcome of the conversation and how it impacted your relationship with the team member and the team as a whole.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:

* Be honest and authentic. Avoid fabricating stories or exaggerating details. Hiring managers can spot insincerity.
* Focus on your role in the conversation rather than blaming the other person.
* Show empathy and understanding towards the other person.
* Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to find mutually beneficial solutions.
* Demonstrate your commitment to maintaining positive relationships and fostering a healthy team environment.
* Things to Avoid:
* Don’t dwell on the negative aspects of the conversation. Instead, focus on the learning experience and how it helped you grow as a professional.
* Avoid bringing up personal issues or confidential information.
* Don’t make generalizations or stereotypes about the team member or the situation.
* Don’t be defensive or argumentative.

Example interview answers to this question

Sample Answers:

Answer 1:

“I once had a disagreement with a team member regarding a project deadline. They were adamant about meeting the original deadline, while I felt it was unrealistic and could compromise the quality of our work. I approached the conversation with an open mind, listening to their perspective and explaining my concerns. We discussed the pros and cons of both options and ultimately agreed on a revised deadline that allowed us to maintain both quality and efficiency. The experience taught me the importance of active listening, compromise, and finding common ground to resolve conflicts.”

Explanation:
This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to approach a difficult conversation with empathy and a willingness to find a mutually beneficial solution. They also highlight their communication and problem-solving skills, as well as their commitment to maintaining a positive team environment.

Answer 2:

“During a team meeting, I had to address a team member who was consistently interrupting and talking over others. I recognized that this behavior was creating tension and hindering productive discussion. I took the initiative to have a private conversation with them, expressing my concerns in a respectful and non-confrontational manner. I listened to their perspective and explained how their behavior was affecting the team dynamics. We agreed on strategies to improve communication and ensure everyone had an opportunity to contribute. This conversation helped strengthen our team’s communication and collaboration.”

Explanation:
This answer showcases the candidate’s ability to handle a difficult conversation with tact and professionalism. They demonstrate their active listening skills, empathy, and ability to address issues directly while maintaining a positive relationship with the team member.