Please tell me about a time when you disagreed with a team member.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle conflicts or disagreements in a team setting. Interviewers want to understand your interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you maintain professionalism when faced with differing opinions. It's important to demonstrate that you can resolve conflicts constructively and that you prioritize the team's success over individual differences.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager at XYZ Company, we were working on a critical project with a tight deadline. One of my team members, John, and I had differing opinions on the approach to a key component of the project.

Task: The task was to ensure that we delivered the project on time and met all the client's requirements while maintaining a positive team dynamic.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with John to discuss our differing viewpoints. I actively listened to his perspective to understand his concerns fully. I then shared my viewpoint, highlighting the potential risks and benefits of each approach. We engaged in an open discussion, considering the project's goals and constraints. Together, we brainstormed possible solutions and eventually agreed on a hybrid approach that incorporated elements from both our ideas.

Result: By addressing the disagreement promptly and collaboratively, we were able to finalize the project plan without delaying the timeline. The project was delivered on schedule, and our client was pleased with the outcome. Additionally, the process strengthened our team collaboration and mutual respect, leading to improved teamwork in future projects.