Share a time when you had a disagreement with a member of your team.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your conflict resolution skills, teamwork, and communication abilities. It aims to understand how you handle disagreements, which are inevitable in a collaborative environment. The interviewer wants to see if you can navigate conflicts professionally and come to a constructive resolution. When answering, focus on demonstrating your ability to listen, empathize, and work towards a solution that benefits the team.

Answer

Situation:
In my previous role as a project manager, our team was tasked with delivering a key project under a tight deadline. During a team meeting, I had a disagreement with a team member over the prioritization of tasks. They believed we should focus on the design phase first, while I felt that addressing the technical feasibility was imperative to avoid potential issues down the line.

Task:
My responsibility was to ensure that the project progressed smoothly and met the deadlines without compromising on quality. It was crucial to align the team on priorities to prevent any delays or miscommunications.

Action:
I initiated a one-on-one discussion with the team member to better understand their perspective. I listened actively, acknowledging the importance of their viewpoint on the design phase. I then shared my concerns about potential technical challenges that could arise if not addressed early. We agreed to bring our points to the next team meeting for a broader discussion. During the meeting, I facilitated a collaborative environment where the entire team could weigh in on the pros and cons of both approaches.

Result:
By involving the entire team, we reached a consensus to run both tasks in parallel, allocating resources effectively to ensure both the design and technical feasibility were adequately addressed. This approach not only met the project deadline but also enhanced team cohesion and mutual respect, as everyone felt heard and valued.