Could you tell me about a time you disagreed with a Technical stakeholder, and how did you resolve it?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your conflict resolution skills, communication abilities, and how well you work with others, especially in a technical environment. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you handle disagreements, specifically with technical stakeholders, and your approach to finding a resolution. They want to see if you can maintain professionalism, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and collaborate effectively even when there are differing opinions.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager at XYZ Company, we were working on a critical software update where I had to collaborate closely with the lead developer. The developer proposed using a new technology stack that I believed might not align with our project timeline and existing infrastructure.

Task: My task was to ensure that the project stayed on track and met the deadline while considering the technical efficiency and long-term benefits of the new technology proposed.

Action: I first scheduled a meeting with the lead developer to discuss our different viewpoints. During the discussion, I listened actively to understand the advantages of the new technology from the developer's perspective. I then shared my concerns about the potential risks and delays. We agreed to conduct a risk assessment and compare the benefits and drawbacks of the existing versus the new technology. We also involved other team members to gather more insights and perspectives.

Result: After a thorough analysis, we concluded that the new technology, while promising, would indeed introduce significant delays. Instead, we decided on a phased approach, integrating some elements of the new technology that wouldn't impact the timeline. This compromise allowed us to meet the project deadline, while also setting the stage for future improvements. The developer appreciated being involved in the decision-making process, which strengthened our working relationship and improved team morale.