What is the hiring manager looking for?

Hiring managers ask this question to assess a candidate’s conflict resolution skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to maintain a positive work environment. They seek individuals who can effectively resolve conflicts, promote collaboration, and foster a harmonious team dynamic.

How to structure your answer

To answer this question effectively, consider following a structured approach:
– Identify the conflict: Briefly describe the conflict’s nature, whether it involved disagreements, differing opinions, or personal issues.
– Define your role: Explain your position within the team and your responsibilities related to resolving the conflict.
– Steps taken: Describe the specific actions you took to address the conflict. This could include active listening, open communication, seeking common ground, or facilitating a team discussion.
– Outcome: Share the positive outcomes that resulted from your actions. Highlight how the conflict was resolved constructively, relationships were strengthened, and team performance improved.
– Learnings: Reflect on what you learned from this experience and how it has influenced your approach to conflict resolution in future situations.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:
– Be honest and authentic. Share a genuine experience where you faced a conflict and how you navigated it successfully.
– Focus on the resolution rather than dwelling on the conflict itself. Emphasize the positive steps you took to address the issue and the positive outcomes that followed.
– Demonstrate self-awareness. Acknowledge your role in the conflict and show how you learned from the experience.
– Avoid blaming others or making excuses. Take ownership of your actions and focus on what you did to resolve the conflict.
– Things to avoid:
– Don’t sugarcoat the conflict. Be truthful about the challenges you faced and the difficulties you encountered.
– Avoid giving overly simplistic or superficial answers. Provide specific details and examples to illustrate your conflict resolution skills.
– Don’t ramble on endlessly. Be concise and to the point, ensuring your answer is clear and memorable.

Example interview answers to this question

Strong Sample Answers:
1. Question: Can you share a situation where you had to navigate a conflict within your team?
Answer: In my previous role, I encountered a situation where two team members had differing opinions on the best approach to a project. To resolve the conflict, I initiated a team meeting where I encouraged open communication and active listening. By facilitating a constructive discussion, we were able to find common ground and develop a solution that integrated both perspectives. This not only resolved the conflict but also strengthened the team’s collaboration and mutual respect.
>> Why it’s strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to actively listen, facilitate open communication, and promote collaboration. It highlights their role in finding a mutually beneficial solution and fostering a positive team environment.

2. Question: How did you handle a conflict that arose due to differing work styles within your team?
Answer: In a previous project, I encountered a conflict between two team members with different work styles. One preferred a structured and meticulous approach, while the other favored a more flexible and intuitive approach. To address this conflict, I initiated one-on-one conversations with both team members to understand their perspectives and concerns. Subsequently, I organized a team-building activity that encouraged collaboration and open communication. This helped the team members recognize their strengths and appreciate their differences, leading to improved teamwork and mutual understanding.
>> Why it’s strong: This answer showcases the candidate’s ability to understand and appreciate differing perspectives, as well as their skill in fostering collaboration and open communication. It emphasizes their role in creating a supportive and inclusive team environment that values diversity and promotes productivity.