Can you share a time when you had to disagree with someone's approach?

Question Analysis

This question is asking you to describe a situation where you had a difference in opinion or approach with someone else. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you handle conflict, your communication skills, and your ability to work collaboratively with others. They are looking for evidence of critical thinking, assertiveness, and the ability to maintain professional relationships even when disagreements occur. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is useful for structuring your response to ensure it is comprehensive and focused.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was working on a team tasked with launching a new product. A colleague proposed a marketing strategy that heavily relied on traditional media channels.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure that our marketing efforts were both innovative and cost-effective. I believed that a digital-first approach would be more impactful and align with our target audience's preferences.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with the colleague to discuss my concerns. I presented data and case studies illustrating the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies for our demographic. I also suggested a hybrid approach that incorporated some traditional media to balance both perspectives.

Result: After our discussion, we agreed to pilot the digital-first strategy with a small segment of our audience. The campaign was a success, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement compared to previous launches. This outcome not only achieved our marketing goals but also fostered a collaborative team environment where diverse opinions were valued.