I want to know about a time when you disagreed with your boss or a manager

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle conflicts or disagreements in a professional setting. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you navigate challenging situations, particularly with authority figures like your boss or manager. They want to see if you can manage disagreements constructively and maintain a positive relationship. By using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), you can structure your response to clearly demonstrate your conflict resolution skills.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, my team and I were tasked with delivering a project under a tight deadline. During a project meeting, my manager proposed a methodology that I believed would not meet the client’s requirements effectively.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure that the project was delivered on time while also satisfying the client's expectations. I felt it was crucial to address my concerns about the proposed approach.

Action: I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with my manager to discuss my concerns. I prepared by gathering data and examples that illustrated the potential shortcomings of the proposed methodology. During our discussion, I expressed my respect for his expertise and shared my perspective, offering an alternative approach that aligned with the client's needs.

Result: My manager appreciated my proactive approach and willingness to speak up. He considered my proposal and, after some discussion, agreed to implement parts of my suggested methodology. As a result, the project was completed successfully, meeting both the deadline and the client's expectations, and it strengthened the trust and communication between my manager and me.