Have you ever faced a situation where you and your manager had different opinions about something? How did you approach it?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your conflict resolution skills, ability to communicate effectively, and how you handle disagreements in a professional setting. The interviewer is interested in understanding your approach to resolving differences, particularly with authority figures such as your manager. It's important to demonstrate your ability to maintain a respectful and constructive dialogue, find common ground, and work collaboratively towards a solution. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help you provide a structured and clear response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, we were working on a critical project with a tight deadline. My manager and I had different opinions on the approach to take for a key phase of the project. My manager favored a more traditional approach, while I believed a more innovative method could save time and resources.

Task: My task was to present my perspective in a manner that respected my manager's experience while also conveying the potential benefits of my proposed approach.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss our differing viewpoints. I prepared a detailed presentation that outlined the pros and cons of both approaches, supported by data and examples from similar successful projects. During the meeting, I actively listened to my manager's concerns and ensured that I acknowledged the validity of their perspective. I then shared my insights, emphasizing how the innovative approach aligned with our project goals and could enhance efficiency.

Result: After a constructive discussion, my manager agreed to pilot my proposed method in a controlled environment to assess its effectiveness. The pilot was successful, leading to significant time savings and resource optimization. As a result, my manager and I developed a stronger working relationship, built on mutual respect and open communication.

By approaching the disagreement with respect and a focus on collaboration, we were able to find a solution that benefitted the project and the team.