Please share an instance when you and your manager disagreed.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle disagreements professionally, especially with authority figures like your manager. The interviewer wants to see how you approach conflict, your communication skills, and how you work towards a resolution. It's crucial to demonstrate maturity, respect, and problem-solving skills. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help structure your response effectively.

Answer

Situation: During my tenure at XYZ Company, I was part of a team working on a significant project with tight deadlines. My manager and I had differing opinions on the allocation of resources for one of the project phases.

Task: The challenge was to ensure that the project stayed on track without compromising on quality. My goal was to present a viable solution that addressed both our concerns and kept the project moving forward.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss our differing viewpoints. I prepared by gathering data and examples to support my perspective. During the meeting, I actively listened to my manager’s reasoning and acknowledged his valid points. I then shared my perspective, supported by the data I had collected, and proposed a compromise that would optimize resource usage without jeopardizing the timeline.

Result: After a constructive discussion, we reached a consensus on a modified resource allocation plan. This not only kept the project on schedule but also improved team morale, as everyone felt their input was valued. This experience strengthened my relationship with my manager and improved our collaborative efforts on future projects.