I want to know about a time you disagreed with a supervisor.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess how you handle conflicts and disagreements, especially with someone in a position of authority. The interviewer is interested in understanding your communication skills, your ability to resolve conflicts, and your approach to maintaining a professional relationship even when disagreements arise. It's important to show that you can handle such situations diplomatically and constructively.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, we were working on a high-stakes project with a tight deadline. The project required both creative input and adherence to the client's specifications.

Task: My supervisor suggested a design change that I believed might not align with the client's requirements. It was crucial to ensure that the final product met the client's expectations to maintain our company's reputation.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my supervisor to discuss my concerns. I prepared for the meeting by gathering specific feedback from the client that supported my perspective. During the discussion, I expressed my respect for my supervisor's expertise and presented the client's feedback, emphasizing our shared goal of delivering a successful project. I suggested alternative solutions that incorporated both the client's needs and the creative vision.

Result: My supervisor appreciated my proactive approach and the data I provided. We were able to find a compromise that satisfied both the client's requirements and the creative direction. The project was delivered on time, and the client was very pleased with the outcome. This experience strengthened my relationship with my supervisor and improved our team's collaboration.